A York student who fled the Taliban in Afghanistan aged just 14 is looking forward to starting his career after winning an award.

York College's Haroon Ahmadzai was named ESOL (English for speakers of other languages) 'Student of the Year' at York College and University centre’s REACH Awards ceremony.

Aged 14, Haroon was told by his mother to leave their home country as quickly as possible after the Taliban had seized power back.

She made the decision out of fear for his safety because family members had served in the toppled regime’s armed forces. 

Haroon then endured a one-and-a-half-year journey before reaching the United Kingdom.

Remembering his journey to the UK, he said: "My family decided to send me out of Afghanistan.

Haroon receiving his REACH Award from York College Principal and Chief Executive Ken Merry (Image: Supplied)

"I didn’t know why at the time, but I later found out that they were scared that something would happen to me because members of my family were in the military.

"It sometimes doesn’t feel real or like it was me when I think back. I walked through deserts in Iran and Pakistan which were so hot and I had no water and, then, I walked for three days in Bulgaria when it was -12C and so cold.

"Both were really, really difficult, but it wasn’t just the weather. At times, there were people on the borders and soldiers who wanted to bully you and had no consideration for how old you were and what could happen to a child because of their actions.

"I went through a lot of big things at a very young age, which can sometimes make me feel upset but, when I met my foster family in England, it was the start of my new life. Now, I would like to be a social worker.

Haroon volunteering in the Newton on Ouse Mind charity shop (Image: Supplied)

"My tutor has said she thinks I would be good at it and I know I could support people a lot after my life experiences."

Haroon found a safe haven in Newton-on-Ouse, before having to deal with a death in his foster family.

When his foster mum went to live in Austria, he moved in with his foster aunty but, after she sadly passed away six months ago, he is now living with his foster "grandma and grandpa" until his foster mum returns to the UK.

"We have a very strong relationship and I feel like I am living with my real family," Haroon said.

RECOMMENDED READING:

"I respect them the same way that I respect my own mum and grandma in Afghanistan. I’m still able to speak to my mum on WhatsApp every two or three days.

"I’m the youngest child in the family, so she is very happy when she gets to talk to me and sees that I am safe."

As well as immersing himself in village life; volunteering at Newton-on-Ouse’s Mind charity shop; playing cricket and washing pots at local pub The Dawnay Arms – Haroon, who turned 18 this month, is now preparing to study for his English GSCE at the college in 2024/25. He will also enrol on a painting and decorating course.

After he has gained the required GSCE grade, he then intends to take his first steps towards his preferred profession on the college’s diploma in health and social care course.