From Afghanistan to Spain: My Journey to the Flight Deck

My journey to becoming a pilot began long before I ever stepped into a flight school.

I was born in Kabul, Afghanistan. After my family fled the country because of threats from the Taliban, we spent years living with uncertainty before returning to Afghanistan in 2020. When the Taliban took control in 2021, my family once again had to search for safety.

With the crucial support of Sophia Swire and Future Brilliance, we eventually found a path to safety and a second chance in Spain.

Starting over in a new country was not easy. I arrived in León without speaking Spanish, learned a new language, completed my schooling, and adapted to a whole new life. Along the way, I also found opportunities to speak on public platforms about the experiences of Afghan women and girls and the fundamental importance of education and freedom.

Through every relocation and life change, one dream stayed with me: to become a commercial airline pilot.

For me, aviation represents freedom, responsibility, and the opportunity to build a future through education and hard work. I understand that reaching the flight deck requires intense discipline, determination, and rigorous training. I am now preparing to take the next step towards that goal by pursuing an Integrated ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot License) programme, which takes two years of full-time dedication to complete.

Why I Am Fundraising (€20,000 Target)

I am raising €20,000 to cover essential living and training-related expenses over the next two years of my integrated ATPL studies.

Professional pilot training involves much more than just school tuition fees. Because of the intensive, full-time schedule required by ground school and flying, maintaining employment during these two years is not possible. To succeed, I need to focus entirely on my studies and flight training.

Here is how your contributions will be used over the 24-month training period:

These expenses are critical to making my training possible. By covering these practical costs, I will be able to dedicate 100% of my energy to mastering aviation theory, building flight hours, and earning my qualifications without financial stress forcing me to halt my studies.

Help Me Take the Next Step

I know what it means to have your future become uncertain overnight, and I know how life-changing a chance to start again can be. Spain gave me the opportunity to continue my education and work towards a future I once feared I might never have.

Now, I want to turn that opportunity into something lasting.

My goal is not simply to dream about becoming a pilot, but to take the practical, daily steps required to earn my wings. Every contribution, whatever its size, brings me one step closer to the flight deck.

If you are unable to donate at this time, sharing my campaign with your network could help it reach someone who believes in education, women in aviation, and the power of a second chance.

Someone once told me:

“You need to open your wings; without them, you cannot fly.”

I have carried those words with me ever since. Now, I am ready to open my wings and find my place in the sky.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading my story and helping me take this next step.

With determination and gratitude,

Manizha Yaqoobi