GENERAL
Sebastian Rich - UNHCR FINAL STILLS EDIT MIANWALI
Wali Jan, thirteen years old, is an Afghan refugee living in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali Pakistan. He is in fifth grade at the boys middle school. His favourite subject is English, which he wants to learn so that he can communicate with many different people. There are more than fourteen thousand refugees currently living in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Aqeela Asifi, has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education in this conservative community, where many have been reluctant to send their children to school.
Shabudin Mughal, thirteen years old, is an Afghan refugee attending the boys middle school in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. He says, "Afghanistan is our country. We should all go back to Afghanistan." There are more than fourteen thousand refugees currently living in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Aqeela Asifi, has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education in this conservative community, where many have been reluctant to send their children to school.
A young Afghan refugee studies at the boys middle school in Kot Chandana refugee village. There are more than fourteen thousand refugees currently living in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Aqeela Asifi, has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education in this conservative community, where many have been reluctant to send their children to school.
Shafqat, ten years old, is an Afghan refugee studying at the boys middle school in Kot Chandana refugee village. There are more than fourteen thousand refugees currently living in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Aqeela Asifi, has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education in this conservative community, where many have been reluctant to send their children to school.
Shamsulla, eight years old, is an Afghan refugee studying at the boys middle school in Kot Chandana refugee village. There are more than fourteen thousand refugees currently living in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Aqeela Asifi, has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education in this conservative community, where many have been reluctant to send their children to school.
Young Afghan refugee boys study at the boys middle school in Kot Chandana refugee village. There are more than fourteen thousand refugees currently living in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Aqeela Asifi, has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education in this conservative community, where many have been reluctant to send their children to school.
Akif Ullah, eleven years old, is an Afghan refugee studying at the boys middle school in Kot Chandana refugee village. There are more than fourteen thousand refugees currently living in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Aqeela Asifi, has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education in this conservative community, where many have been reluctant to send their children to school.
There are more than fourteen thousand refugees currently living in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Aqeela Asifi, has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education in this conservative community, where many have been reluctant to send their children to school.
Young Afghan refugees studying at the boys middle school in Kot Chandana refugee village. There are more than fourteen thousand refugees currently living in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Aqeela Asifi, has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education in this conservative community, where many have been reluctant to send their children to school.
Ubid Urhaman, twelve years old, is an Afghan refugee studying at the boys middle school in Kot Chandana refugee village. He is in seventh grade and has five sisters, one of whom also goes to school. He says, "If I have a daughter, I will send her to school." There are more than fourteen thousand refugees currently living in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Aqeela Asifi, has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education in this conservative community, where many have been reluctant to send their children to school.
Nasrullah, twenty eight years old, is an Afghan refugee who runs a shop in Kot Chandana refugee village. He strongly believes that education is important for every child. There are more than fourteen thousand refugees currently living in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Aqeela Asifi, has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education in this conservative community, where many have been reluctant to send their children to school.
Ms Aqeela Asifi and her youngest daughter Sawera Niazmand prepare a traditional Afghan stuffed bread on a single gas ring for the family's breakfast in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. This has been the beginning of Ms Asifi's daily routine for the past twenty years, before heading to teach at her school. The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Asifi has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education for refugee children in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. Currently there are more than fourteen thousand refugees in Kot Chandana refugee village, where more than fifty percent of school-aged children do not receive an education.
Ms Aqeela Asifi fries an egg on a single gas ring for the family's breakfast in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. This has been the beginning of Ms Asifi's daily routine for the past twenty years, before heading to teach at her school. The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Asifi has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education for refugee children in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. Currently there are more than fourteen thousand refugees in Kot Chandana refugee village, where more than fifty percent of school-aged children do not receive an education.
Ms Aqeela Asifi prepares a traditional Afghan bread for the family's breakfast in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. This has been the beginning of Ms Asifi's daily routine for the past twenty years, before heading to teach at her school. The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Asifi has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education for refugee children in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. Currently there are more than fourteen thousand refugees in Kot Chandana refugee village, where more than fifty percent of school-aged children do not receive an education.
Ms Aqeela Asifi and her family enjoy breakfast in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. This has been the beginning of Ms Asifi's daily routine for the past twenty years, before heading to teach at her school. The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Asifi has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education for refugee children in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. Currently there are more than fourteen thousand refugees in Kot Chandana refugee village, where more than fifty percent of school-aged children do not receive an education.
From left to right: Tahera Syed, fifteen years old, Faiza Khanan, fourteen years old, Noor Fatima, fourteen years old and Sawera Naz, fourteen years old, are all local Pakistani students at Ms Aqeela Asifi's school in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. They must walk forty minutes each way to attend classes; this school is the only place nearby that offers an eighth grade curriculum. All four girls hope to become commercial airline pilots. The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Asifi has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education for refugee children in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. Currently there are more than fourteen thousand refugees in Kot Chandana refugee village, where more than fifty percent of school-aged children do not receive an education.
Head teacher Ms Aqeela Asifi with her Afghan refugee and Pakistani students at school in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Asifi has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education for refugee children in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. Currently there are more than fourteen thousand refugees in Kot Chandana refugee village, where more than fifty percent of school-aged children do not receive an education.
Nadia, twelve years old, left, and Haseena, nine years old, study with Ms Aqeela Asifi at her girls school in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. The sisters are the second generation of their Afghan refugee family to attend school with Ms Asifi; their mother is a former student. Their favourite subject in school is Urdu, and since their mother is also educated, she can help them with their homework. The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Asifi has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education for refugee children in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. Currently there are more than fourteen thousand refugees in Kot Chandana refugee village, where more than fifty percent of school-aged children do not receive an education.
Ms Aqeela Asifi teaches Afghan refugee and Pakistani girls at her school in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. This has been part of her daily routine for the past twenty years. The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Asifi has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education for refugee children in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. Currently there are more than fourteen thousand refugees in Kot Chandana refugee village, where more than fifty percent of school-aged children do not receive an education.
Ms Aqeela Asifi teaches Afghan refugee and Pakistani girls at her school in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. This has been part of her daily routine for the past twenty years. The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Asifi has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education for refugee children in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. Currently there are more than fourteen thousand refugees in Kot Chandana refugee village, where more than fifty percent of school-aged children do not receive an education.
Young Afghan refugee and Pakistani girls attending morning assembly at Ms Aqeela Asifi's school in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Asifi has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education for refugee children in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. Currently there are more than fourteen thousand refugees in Kot Chandana refugee village, where more than fifty percent of school-aged children do not receive an education.
Young Afghan refugee and Pakistani girls attending morning assembly at Ms Aqeela Asifi's school in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Asifi has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education for refugee children in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. Currently there are more than fourteen thousand refugees in Kot Chandana refugee village, where more than fifty percent of school-aged children do not receive an education.
Young Afghan refugee and Pakistani girls attending morning assembly at Ms Aqeela Asifi's school in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Asifi has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education for refugee children in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. Currently there are more than fourteen thousand refugees in Kot Chandana refugee village, where more than fifty percent of school-aged children do not receive an education.
Ms Aqeela Asifi leading the morning assembly at her school in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan, where she teaches Afghan refugee and Pakistani girls. The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Asifi has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education for refugee children in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. Currently there are more than fourteen thousand refugees in Kot Chandana refugee village, where more than fifty percent of school-aged children do not receive an education.
Izat Ullah, twelve years old, is an Afghan refugee living in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. He sews and tailors seven days a week without pay at his family's shop. He loves to play cricket, but he doesn't have time to play because he works in the shop until 7:00 p.m. He dropped out of school after second grade. Currently there are more than 14,000 refugees in Kot Chandana refugee village, where more than fifty percent of school-aged children do not receive an education. The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Aqeela Asifi, an Afghan refugee herself, has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education for refugee children in this village.
Izat Ullah, twelve years old, speaks with UNHCR staff in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. Izat Ullah, an Afghan refugee, sews and tailors seven days a week without pay at his family's shop. He loves to play cricket, but he doesn't have time to play because he works in the shop until 7:00 p.m. He dropped out of school after second grade. Currently there are more than 14,000 refugees in Kot Chandana refugee village, where more than fifty percent of school-aged children do not receive an education. The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Aqeela Asifi, an Afghan refugee herself, has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education for refugee children in this village
Young men attend a computer repair class at UNHCR's Technical Training Centre (TTC) for Afghan refugees in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. Currently there are more than 14,000 refugees in Kot Chandana refugee village. There are no higher education facilities in the village, so young men can opt to enrol in practical programmes. UNHCR supports youth empowerment for Afghan refugees through skilled development such as vocational training through TTC.
Young men attend a tailoring class at UNHCR's Technical Training Centre (TTC) for Afghan refugees in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. Currently there are more than 14,000 refugees in Kot Chandana refugee village. There are no higher education facilities in the village, so young men can opt to enrol in practical programmes. UNHCR supports youth empowerment for Afghan refugees through skilled development such as vocational training through TTC.
UNHCR staff observes a tailoring class at UNHCR's Technical Training Centre (TTC) for Afghan refugees in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. Currently there are more than 14,000 refugees in Kot Chandana refugee village. There are no higher education facilities in the village, so young men can opt to enrol in practical programmes. UNHCR supports youth empowerment for Afghan refugees through skilled development such as vocational training through TTC.
Shahid Ullah, thirteen years old, is an Afghan refugee sells flavoured ice to support his family living in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. His father is a drug addict in Kabul; leaving the family with no income, Shahid must work every day. He gives all of his earnings to his mother so that their family can eat. He dropped out of school in second grade in order to work. Currently there are more than 14,000 refugees in Kot Chandana refugee village, where more than fifty percent of school-aged children do not receive an education. The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Aqeela Asifi, an Afghan refugee herself, has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education for refugee children in this village.
Traditional Afghan mud houses of refugees in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Aqeela Asifi, an Afghan refugee herself, has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education for refugee children in this village. Currently there are more than 14,000 refugees in Kot Chandana refugee village, where more than fifty percent of school-aged children do not receive an education.
Traditional Afghan mud houses of refugees in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Aqeela Asifi, an Afghan refugee herself, has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education for refugee children in this village. Currently there are more than 14,000 refugees in Kot Chandana refugee village, where more than fifty percent of school-aged children do not receive an education.
Traditional Afghan mud houses of refugees in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Aqeela Asifi, an Afghan refugee herself, has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education for refugee children in this village. Currently there are more than 14,000 refugees in Kot Chandana refugee village, where more than fifty percent of school-aged children do not receive an education.
Traditional Afghan mud houses of refugees in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Aqeela Asifi, an Afghan refugee herself, has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education for refugee children in this village. Currently there are more than 14,000 refugees in Kot Chandana refugee village, where more than fifty percent of school-aged children do not receive an education.
The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Aqeela Asifi, finishes her noon prayer in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. Ms Asifi, an Afghan refugee, has dedicated herself to breaking down cultural barriers in order to educate refugee children, particularly for girls. To date more than one thousand students have completed their studies with Ms Asifi. Ms Asifi has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education in this conservative community, where many have been reluctant to send their children to school. Currently there are more than fourteen thousand refugees living in Kot Chandana refugee village, where more than fifty percent of school-aged children do not receive an education.
The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Aqeela Asifi, reminiscing over old family photos in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. Ms Asifi, an Afghan refugee, has dedicated herself to breaking down cultural barriers in order to educate refugee children, particularly for girls. To date more than one thousand students have completed their studies with Ms Asifi. Ms Asifi has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education in this conservative community, where many have been reluctant to send their children to school. Currently there are more than fourteen thousand refugees living in Kot Chandana refugee village, where more than fifty percent of school-aged children do not receive an education.
The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Aqeela Asifi, reminiscing over old family photos in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. Ms Asifi, an Afghan refugee, has dedicated herself to breaking down cultural barriers in order to educate refugee children, particularly for girls. To date more than one thousand students have completed their studies with Ms Asifi. Ms Asifi has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education in this conservative community, where many have been reluctant to send their children to school. Currently there are more than fourteen thousand refugees living in Kot Chandana refugee village, where more than fifty percent of school-aged children do not receive an education.
The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Aqeela Asifi, skims through her school register of the past twenty years in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. Ms Asifi, an Afghan refugee, has dedicated herself to breaking down cultural barriers in order to educate refugee children, particularly for girls. To date more than one thousand students have completed their studies with Ms Asifi. Ms Asifi has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education in this conservative community, where many have been reluctant to send their children to school. Currently there are more than fourteen thousand refugees living in Kot Chandana refugee village, where more than fifty percent of school-aged children do not receive an education.
The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Aqeela Asifi, skims through her school register of the past twenty years in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. Ms Asifi, an Afghan refugee, has dedicated herself to breaking down cultural barriers in order to educate refugee children, particularly for girls. To date more than one thousand students have completed their studies with Ms Asifi. Ms Asifi has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education in this conservative community, where many have been reluctant to send their children to school. Currently there are more than fourteen thousand refugees living in Kot Chandana refugee village, where more than fifty percent of school-aged children do not receive an education.
The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Aqeela Asifi, skims through her school register of the past twenty years in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. Ms Asifi, an Afghan refugee, has dedicated herself to breaking down cultural barriers in order to educate refugee children, particularly for girls. To date more than one thousand students have completed their studies with Ms Asifi. Ms Asifi has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education in this conservative community, where many have been reluctant to send their children to school. Currently there are more than fourteen thousand refugees living in Kot Chandana refugee village, where more than fifty percent of school-aged children do not receive an education.
The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Aqeela Asifi, with her husband Sher Muhammad in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. Ms Asifi, an Afghan refugee, has dedicated herself to breaking down cultural barriers in order to educate refugee children, particularly for girls. Sher Muhammad has never wavered in his support of her work for over twenty years. To date more than one thousand students have completed their studies with Ms Asifi. Ms Asifi has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education in this conservative community, where many have been reluctant to send their children to school. Currently there are more than fourteen thousand refugees living in Kot Chandana refugee village, where more than fifty percent of school-aged children do not receive an education.
These trees planted in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan are now twelve years old. They were planted by the 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Aqeela Asifi, at the location of her original tented school. She says that the trees have grown with her students and bear witness to her work; she now has an emotional attachment to them. Ms Asifi, an Afghan refugee, has dedicated herself to breaking down cultural barriers in order to educate refugee children, particularly for girls. To date more than one thousand students have completed their studies with Ms Asifi. Ms Asifi has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education in this conservative community, where many have been reluctant to send their children to school. Currently there are more than fourteen thousand refugees living in Kot Chandana refugee village, where more than fifty percent of school-aged children do not receive an education.
Sawera Niazmand, eleven years old, does her homework in the family courtyard. Sawera is the youngest daughter of Ms Aqeela Asifi, the 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award. An Afghan refugee, Sawera is a student at her mother's school in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. Currently, there are more than fourteen thousand refugees living in this village, where more than fifty percent of school-aged children do not receive an education. To date, more than one thousand students have completed their studies with Ms Asifi.
Sawera Niazmand, eleven years old, receives help with her homework from her mother, who is also her teacher. Sawera is the youngest daughter of Ms Aqeela Asifi, the 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award. An Afghan refugee, Sawera is a student at her mother's school in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. Currently, there are more than fourteen thousand refugees living in this village, where more than fifty percent of school-aged children do not receive an education. To date, more than one thousand students have completed their studies with Ms Asifi.
NRC staff member Linda Jeanette Gresslien, meets with Sawera Niazmand, eleven years old, who is the youngest daughter of Ms Aqeela Asifi, the 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award. An Afghan refugee, Sawera is a student at her mother's school in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. Currently, there are more than fourteen thousand refugees living in this village, where more than fifty percent of school-aged children do not receive an education. To date, more than one thousand students have completed their studies with Ms Asifi.
UNHCR staff member Linda Jeanette Gresslien, meets with Sawera Niazmand, eleven years old, who is the youngest daughter of Ms Aqeela Asifi, the 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award. An Afghan refugee, Sawera is a student at her mother's school in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. Currently, there are more than fourteen thousand refugees living in this village, where more than fifty percent of school-aged children do not receive an education. To date, more than one thousand students have completed their studies with Ms Asifi.
Sawera Niazmand, eleven years old, poses with her mother Ms Aqeela Asifi, the 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award. An Afghan refugee, Sawera is a student at her mother's school in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. Currently, there are more than fourteen thousand refugees living in this village, where more than fifty percent of school-aged children do not receive an education. To date, more than one thousand students have completed their studies with Ms Asifi.
Sawera Niazmand, eleven years old, writes on the chalkboard, supervised by her mother who is also her teacher. Sawera is the youngest daughter of Ms Aqeela Asifi, the 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award. An Afghan refugee, Sawera is a student at her mother's school in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. Currently, there are more than fourteen thousand refugees living in this village, where more than fifty percent of school-aged children do not receive an education. To date, more than one thousand students have completed their studies with Ms Asifi.
NRC staff member Linda Jeanette Gresslien, meets with the 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Aqeela Asifi, an Afghan refugee teacher working in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. Ms Asifi has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education for refugee children in this concserative community, where many have been reluctant to send their children to school. Currently, there are more than fourteen thousand refugees living in Kot Chandana refugee village, where more than fifty percent of children do not receive an education.
UNHCR staff member Linda Jeanette Gresslien, meets with the 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Aqeela Asifi, an Afghan refugee teacher working in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. Ms Asifi has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education for refugee children in this concserative community, where many have been reluctant to send their children to school. Currently, there are more than fourteen thousand refugees living in Kot Chandana refugee village, where more than fifty percent of children do not receive an education.
Muhammad Khalid, four years old, is the grandson of Ms Aqeela Asifi, the 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award. An Afghan refugee, Muhammad Khalid lives with his family in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. Currently there are more than fourteen thousand refugees living in the village, where more than fifty percent of school-aged children do not receive an education. Ms Asifi has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote children in this conservative community, where many have been reluctant to send their children to school.
NRC staff member Linda Jeanette Gresslien meets with the 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Aqeela Asifi, an Afghan refugee teacher working in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. Ms Asifi has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education for refugee children in this concserative community, where many have been reluctant to send their children to school. Currently, there are more than fourteen thousand refugees living in Kot Chandana refugee village, where more than fifty percent of children do not receive an education. The family sheep, Tuntun, looks on in the background.
A map of Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan, home to more than fourteen thousand Afghan refugees. This is where the 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award Ms Aqeela Asifi, an Afghan refugee teacher, has been working for more than twenty years. Ms Asifi has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education in this conservative community, where many have been reluctant to send their children to school. In Kot Chandana refugee village, more than fifty percent of school-aged children do not receive an education. To date, more than one thousand students have completed their studies with Ms Asifi.
At the market in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. Currently there are more than fourteen thousand Afghan refugees living in the village.
At the market in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. Currently there are more than fourteen thousand Afghan refugees living in the village.
Shahid Ullah, thirteen years old, is an Afghan refugee sells flavoured ice to support his family living in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. His father is a drug addict in Kabul; leaving the family with no income, Shahid must work every day. He gives all of his earnings to his mother so that their family can eat. He dropped out of school in second grade in order to work. Currently there are more than 14,000 refugees in Kot Chandana refugee village, where more than fifty percent of school-aged children do not receive an education. The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Aqeela Asifi, an Afghan refugee herself, has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education for refugee children in this village.
Shahid Ullah, thirteen years old, is an Afghan refugee sells flavoured ice to support his family living in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. His father is a drug addict in Kabul; leaving the family with no income, Shahid must work every day. He gives all of his earnings to his mother so that their family can eat. He dropped out of school in second grade in order to work. Currently there are more than 14,000 refugees in Kot Chandana refugee village, where more than fifty percent of school-aged children do not receive an education. The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Aqeela Asifi, an Afghan refugee herself, has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education for refugee children in this village.
Name: SaraAge: 13Grade: 7thProvince of Origin: Laghman, AfghanistanCurrent location: Kababian Refugee Village, PeshawarIn this image sara's father who is a great supportet of her education helps her with her school work.Sara is the only child of her parents who is studying at school while her 4 brothers and one sister are out of school due to the unavailability of free education after grade 8th inside the Refugee Village. Her aged and disabled father cannot financially support his family but he is a huge supporter of female education. Her mother supports the family financially by sewing cloths and her brother also work as daily wage labourers. Sara and her parents want her to complete studies but that is only possible if her school is upgraded from primary school to high school. Sara’s school is roughly 2 km away from her home and every morning she takes a shortcut walk to reach school through cornfield ( not very fancy looking fields) . Her parents are also concerned about her safety because they know the cornfields are house to many drug addicts and criminals.Generally financial constraint is the second biggest reason after cultural sensitivities that prevent many girls from continuing their studies. According to teachers at Sara’s school, there were a few instances of dropout but after the School Management Committee’s interventions, parents agreed to resend their daughters to school.
Name: Mudeer s/o Hayat KhanAge: 12Grade: 5thCurrent location: Kababian Refugee Village, PeshawarAt the age of 12, Mudeer is the only breadwinner of a 14-member large family. His father was a baker but for over a year now he has been ill and unable to work. In the morning, Mudeer attends schools and from noon until late night he goes to a crowded market in Peshawar city to work, where he earns Rs. 200 to Rs. 300 (USD 2 to 3) daily. . Mudeer’s father bought him a small weight machine, which he carries from one street to the other, from shop to shop and askong shoppers to check their weight. For each try, Mudeer charges Rs. 10. His father is crippled and cannot work.
Name: Mudeer s/o Hayat KhanAge: 12Grade: 5thCurrent location: Kababian Refugee Village, PeshawarAt the age of 12, Mudeer is the only breadwinner of a 14-member large family. His father was a baker but for over a year now he has been ill and unable to work. In the morning, Mudeer attends schools and from noon until late night he goes to a crowded market in Peshawar city to work, where he earns Rs. 200 to Rs. 300 (USD 2 to 3) daily. . Mudeer’s father bought him a small weight machine, which he carries from one street to the other, from shop to shop and askong shoppers to check their weight. For each try, Mudeer charges Rs. 10. His father is crippled and cannot work.
Shabudin Mughal, thirteen years old, is an Afghan refugee attending the boys middle school in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. He says, "Afghanistan is our country. We should all go back to Afghanistan." There are more than fourteen thousand refugees currently living in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Aqeela Asifi, has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education in this conservative community, where many have been reluctant to send their children to school.
Wali Jan, thirteen years old, is an Afghan refugee living in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali Pakistan. He is in fifth grade at the boys middle school. His favourite subject is English, which he wants to learn so that he can communicate with many different people. There are more than fourteen thousand refugees currently living in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Aqeela Asifi, has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education in this conservative community, where many have been reluctant to send their children to school.
Wali Jan, thirteen years old, is an Afghan refugee living in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali Pakistan. He is in fifth grade at the boys middle school. His favourite subject is English, which he wants to learn so that he can communicate with many different people. There are more than fourteen thousand refugees currently living in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Aqeela Asifi, has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education in this conservative community, where many have been reluctant to send their children to school.
Ubid Urhaman, twelve years old, is an Afghan refugee studying at the boys middle school in Kot Chandana refugee village. He is in seventh grade and has five sisters, one of whom also goes to school. He says, "If I have a daughter, I will send her to school." There are more than fourteen thousand refugees currently living in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Aqeela Asifi, has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education in this conservative community, where many have been reluctant to send their children to school.
Ubid Urhaman, twelve years old, is an Afghan refugee studying at the boys middle school in Kot Chandana refugee village. He is in seventh grade and has five sisters, one of whom also goes to school. He says, "If I have a daughter, I will send her to school." There are more than fourteen thousand refugees currently living in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Aqeela Asifi, has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education in this conservative community, where many have been reluctant to send their children to school.
Nosheen Aslam, twenty nine years old and herself a Pakistani, is an Education Officer in Kot Chandana refugee village. For the past seven years she has been responsible for the management of the nine refugee schools in the village. She says, "Afghan refugees who are better educated can better serve their country - as doctors, engineers and professionals." There are more than fourteen thousand refugees currently living in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Aqeela Asifi, has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education in this conservative community, where many have been reluctant to send their children to school.
Bibi Ayisha, eleven years old, is an Afghan refugee studying at a girls school in Kot Chandana refugee village. There are more than fourteen thousand refugees currently living in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Aqeela Asifi, has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education in this conservative community, where many have been reluctant to send their children to school.
Bibi Nazia, seven years old, is an Afghan refugee studying at a girls school in Kot Chandana refugee village. She enjoys playing at school, practicing the Urdu alphabet and she wants to become a teacher. There are more than fourteen thousand refugees currently living in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Aqeela Asifi, has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education in this conservative community, where many have been reluctant to send their children to school.
Bibi Nazia, seven years old, is an Afghan refugee studying at a girls school in Kot Chandana refugee village. She enjoys playing at school, practicing the Urdu alphabet and she wants to become a teacher. There are more than fourteen thousand refugees currently living in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Aqeela Asifi, has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education in this conservative community, where many have been reluctant to send their children to school.
Shamaila Bibi, ten years old, is an Afghan refugee studying at a girls school in Kot Chandana refugee village. She wants to become a teacher. She says, "I want to see Kabul because I have heard from my parents it's a nice place." There are more than fourteen thousand refugees currently living in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Aqeela Asifi, has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education in this conservative community, where many have been reluctant to send their children to school.
Bibi Seema, five years old, is an Afghan refugee studying at a girls school in Kot Chandana refugee village. She is in first grade and enjoys practicing the English alphabet. There are more than fourteen thousand refugees currently living in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Aqeela Asifi, has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education in this conservative community, where many have been reluctant to send their children to school.
Bibi Seema, five years old, is an Afghan refugee studying at a girls school in Kot Chandana refugee village. She is in first grade and enjoys practicing the English alphabet. There are more than fourteen thousand refugees currently living in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Aqeela Asifi, has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education in this conservative community, where many have been reluctant to send their children to school.
Bibi Seema, five years old, is an Afghan refugee studying at a girls school in Kot Chandana refugee village. She is in first grade and enjoys practicing the English alphabet. There are more than fourteen thousand refugees currently living in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Aqeela Asifi, has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education in this conservative community, where many have been reluctant to send their children to school.
Bibi Nazia, five years old, is an Afghan refugee studying at a girls school in Kot Chandana refugee village. There are more than fourteen thousand refugees currently living in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Aqeela Asifi, has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education in this conservative community, where many have been reluctant to send their children to school.
Bibi Nazia, five years old, is an Afghan refugee studying at a girls school in Kot Chandana refugee village. There are more than fourteen thousand refugees currently living in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Aqeela Asifi, has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education in this conservative community, where many have been reluctant to send their children to school.
Nosheen Aslam, twenty nine years old and herself a Pakistani, is an Education Officer in Kot Chandana refugee village. For the past seven years she has been responsible for the management of the nine refugee schools in the village. She says, "Afghan refugees who are better educated can better serve their country - as doctors, engineers and professionals." There are more than fourteen thousand refugees currently living in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Aqeela Asifi, has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education in this conservative community, where many have been reluctant to send their children to school.
PROTECTION - cannot show her face.Fhamida Khan Kakar, fifteen years old, is an Afghan refugee studying at a girls school in Kot Chandana refugee village. She is in seventh grade. Her sister dropped out of school in fifth grade due to rumours following her participation in a school event; Fhadima herself sometimes skips school for 2-3 days at a time whenever negative remarks are made towards her schooling. There are more than fourteen thousand refugees currently living in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Aqeela Asifi, has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education in this conservative community, where many have been reluctant to send their children to school.
Molana Abdul Bari, twenty eight years old, is an Afghan refugee working as a shopkeeper in Kot Chandana refugee village. Despite his meagre income, he insists on sending his two boys, seven year-old Abdul Ghani and five year-old Abdul Wali, to school. Born and raised in Pakistan, he longs to see his country. He says, "I don't want to die before seeing Afghanistan." There are more than fourteen thousand refugees currently living in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Aqeela Asifi, has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education in this conservative community, where many have been reluctant to send their children to school.
Molana Abdul Bari, twenty eight years old, is an Afghan refugee working as a shopkeeper in Kot Chandana refugee village. Despite his meagre income, he insists on sending his two boys, seven year-old Abdul Ghani and five year-old Abdul Wali, to school. Born and raised in Pakistan, he longs to see his country. He says, "I don't want to die before seeing Afghanistan." There are more than fourteen thousand refugees currently living in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Aqeela Asifi, has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education in this conservative community, where many have been reluctant to send their children to school.
Sher Muhammad, forty eight years old, is the husband of Ms Aqeela Asifi, the 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award. An Afghan refugee, Sher Muhammad is a shopkeeper in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. Ms Asifi has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education in this conservative community, where many have been reluctant to send their children to school; Sher Muhammad has always been fully supportive of Ms Asifi's work. He emphasizes that it has always been her initiative and her cause - whatever advocacy he has done, has always been on her behalf. Currently there are more than fourteen thousand refugees living in Kot Chandana refugee village, where more than fifty percent of school-aged children do not receive an education.
The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award is Ms Aqeela Asifi, an Afghan refugee teacher promoting girls' education in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. Ms Asifi has dedicated herself to breaking down cultural barriers in order to educate refugee children. To date more than one thousand students have completed their studies with Ms Asifi. Ms Asifi has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education in this conservative community, where many have been reluctant to send their children to school. Currently there are more than fourteen thousand refugees living in Kot Chandana refugee village, where more than fifty percent of school-aged children do not receive an education.
The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award is Ms Aqeela Asifi, an Afghan refugee teacher promoting girls' education in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. Ms Asifi has dedicated herself to breaking down cultural barriers in order to educate refugee children. To date more than one thousand students have completed their studies with Ms Asifi. Ms Asifi has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education in this conservative community, where many have been reluctant to send their children to school. Currently there are more than fourteen thousand refugees living in Kot Chandana refugee village, where more than fifty percent of school-aged children do not receive an education.
The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award is Ms Aqeela Asifi, an Afghan refugee teacher promoting girls' education in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. Ms Asifi has dedicated herself to breaking down cultural barriers in order to educate refugee children. To date more than one thousand students have completed their studies with Ms Asifi. Ms Asifi has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education in this conservative community, where many have been reluctant to send their children to school. Currently there are more than fourteen thousand refugees living in Kot Chandana refugee village, where more than fifty percent of school-aged children do not receive an education.
Sawera Niazmand, eleven years old, is the youngest daughter of Ms Aqeela Asifi, the 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award. An Afghan refugee, Sawera is a student at her mother's school in Kot Chandana refugee village. There are more than fourteen thousand refugees currently living in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. Ms Asifi has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education in this conservative community, where many have been reluctant to send their children to school.
Sumaira, seven years old, is a first grade student at Ms Aqeela Asifi's girls school in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Asifi has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education for refugee children in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. Currently there are more than fourteen thousand refugees in Kot Chandana refugee village, where more than fifty percent of school-aged children do not receive an education.
The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award is Ms Aqeela Asifi, an Afghan refugee teacher promoting girls' education in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. Ms Asifi has dedicated herself to breaking down cultural barriers in order to educate refugee children. To date more than one thousand students have completed their studies with Ms Asifi. Ms Asifi has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education in this conservative community, where many have been reluctant to send their children to school. Currently there are more than fourteen thousand refugees living in Kot Chandana refugee village, where more than fifty percent of school-aged children do not receive an education.
Scenes from the market place in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan, where currently there are more than fourteen thousand Afghan refugees living in the village. Traditionally young and middle-aged women do not shop at the market unless escorted by a male family member.
Abdul Rahman, ten years old, is an Afghan refugee living in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. In third grade, Rahman's favourite subject is mathematics and he aims to become an engineer after he finishes his studies. Currently, there are more than fourteen thousand refugees living in Kot Chandana refugee village, where more than fifty percent of school-aged children do not receive an education. The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Aqeela Asifi, an Afghan refugee herself, has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education for refugee children in this village.
Ghamai, sixteen years old, is an Afghan refugee living in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. He dropped out of school during fourth grade. He now helps his father at his carpet shop in the market place, but hopes to move to France to study. Currently there are more than fourteen thousand refugees living in Kot Chandana refugee village, but more than fifty percent of school-aged children do not receive an education. The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Aqeela Asifi, an Afghan refugee herself, has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education for refugee children in this village.
Scenes from the market place in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan, where currently there are more than fourteen thousand Afghan refugees living in the village. Traditionally young and middle-aged women do not shop at the market unless escorted by a male family member.
Scenes from the market place in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan, where currently there are more than fourteen thousand Afghan refugees living in the village. Traditionally young and middle-aged women do not shop at the market unless escorted by a male family member.
Pir Muhammad, eight years old, is an Afghan refugee living in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. He is in first grade at a local Pakistani school, where his favourite subject is Urdu. He loves to play cricket and is an all-rounder (batsman and baller). Currently there are more than fourteen thousand refugees living in Kot Chandana refugee village, but more than fifty percent of school-aged children do not receive an education. The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Aqeela Asifi, an Afghan refugee herself, has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education for refugee children in this village.
Community elders meet to discuss education in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Aqeela Asifi, an Afghan refugee herself, has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education in this conservative community, where many have been reluctant to send their children to school. Currently there are more than fourteen thousand refugees living in Kot Chandana refugee village, but more than fifty percent of school-aged children do not receive an education.
Community elders meet to discuss education in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Aqeela Asifi, an Afghan refugee herself, has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education in this conservative community, where many have been reluctant to send their children to school. Currently there are more than fourteen thousand refugees living in Kot Chandana refugee village, but more than fifty percent of school-aged children do not receive an education.
Community elders meet to discuss education in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Aqeela Asifi, an Afghan refugee herself, has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education in this conservative community, where many have been reluctant to send their children to school. Currently there are more than fourteen thousand refugees living in Kot Chandana refugee village, but more than fifty percent of school-aged children do not receive an education.
Community elders meet to discuss education in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Aqeela Asifi, an Afghan refugee herself, has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education in this conservative community, where many have been reluctant to send their children to school. Currently there are more than fourteen thousand refugees living in Kot Chandana refugee village, but more than fifty percent of school-aged children do not receive an education.
Community elders meet to discuss education in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Aqeela Asifi, an Afghan refugee herself, has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education in this conservative community, where many have been reluctant to send their children to school. Currently there are more than fourteen thousand refugees living in Kot Chandana refugee village, but more than fifty percent of school-aged children do not receive an education.
Community elders meet to discuss education in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Aqeela Asifi, an Afghan refugee herself, has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education in this conservative community, where many have been reluctant to send their children to school. Currently there are more than fourteen thousand refugees living in Kot Chandana refugee village, but more than fifty percent of school-aged children do not receive an education.
Community elders meet to discuss education in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Aqeela Asifi, an Afghan refugee herself, has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education in this conservative community, where many have been reluctant to send their children to school. Currently there are more than fourteen thousand refugees living in Kot Chandana refugee village, but more than fifty percent of school-aged children do not receive an education.
Community elders meet to discuss education in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Aqeela Asifi, an Afghan refugee herself, has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education in this conservative community, where many have been reluctant to send their children to school. Currently there are more than fourteen thousand refugees living in Kot Chandana refugee village, but more than fifty percent of school-aged children do not receive an education.
Community elders meet to discuss education in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Aqeela Asifi, an Afghan refugee herself, has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education in this conservative community, where many have been reluctant to send their children to school. Currently there are more than fourteen thousand refugees living in Kot Chandana refugee village, but more than fifty percent of school-aged children do not receive an education.
Community elders meet to discuss education in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Aqeela Asifi, an Afghan refugee herself, has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education in this conservative community, where many have been reluctant to send their children to school. Currently there are more than fourteen thousand refugees living in Kot Chandana refugee village, but more than fifty percent of school-aged children do not receive an education.
Afghan refugee Muhammad Hassan, sixty two years old, poses with his grandsons Pir, eight years old, left, and Asad Khan, four years old in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. There are three generations of Afghan refugees now living in Pakistan; many wish to return, but the instability in Afghanistan prevents them. Hassan is a community elder who supports education for children. Currently there are more than fourteen thousand refugees living in this village, where more than fifty percent of school-aged children do not receive an education.
Asad Khan, four years old, poses for a photo in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. An Afghan refugee, is the grandson of one of the community elders. There are three generations of Afghan refugees now living in Pakistan; many wish to return, but the instability in Afghanistan prevents them. Currently there are more than fourteen thousand refugees living in this village.
The Salt Mountain range stretches along Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Aqeela Asifi, an Afghan refugee herself, has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education for refugee children in this village. Currently there are more than 14,000 refugees in Kot Chandana refugee village, where more than fifty percent of school-aged children do not receive an education.
Nosheen Aslam, twenty nine years old and herself a Pakistani, is an Education Officer in Kot Chandana refugee village. For the past seven years she has been responsible for the management of the nine refugee schools in the village. She says, "Afghan refugees who are better educated can better serve their country - as doctors, engineers and professionals." There are more than fourteen thousand refugees currently living in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Aqeela Asifi, has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education in this conservative community, where many have been reluctant to send their children to school.
The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award is Ms Aqeela Asifi, an Afghan refugee teacher promoting eduation for refugee children in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. Ms Asifi has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education in this conservative community, where many have been reluctant to send their children to school. More than one thousand students have completed their students with Ms Asifi to date. Currently, there are more than fourteen thousand refugees living in Kot Chandana refugee village, where more than fifty percent of school-aged children do not receive an education.
Sher Muhammad, husband of Ms Aqeela Asifi, the 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, lives in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. Ms Asifi, an Afghan refugee, has dedicated herself to breaking down cultural barriers in order to educate refugee children, particularly for girls. Sher Muhammad has never wavered in his support of her work for over twenty years. To date more than one thousand students have completed their studies with Ms Asifi. Ms Asifi has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education in this conservative community, where many have been reluctant to send their children to school. Currently there are more than fourteen thousand refugees living in Kot Chandana refugee village, where more than fifty percent of school-aged children do not receive an education.
Sawera Niazmand, eleven years old, does her homework in the family courtyard. Sawera is the youngest daughter of Ms Aqeela Asifi, the 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award. An Afghan refugee, Sawera is a student at her mother's school in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. Currently, there are more than fourteen thousand refugees living in this village, where more than fifty percent of school-aged children do not receive an education. To date, more than one thousand students have completed their studies with Ms Asifi.
Sawera Niazmand, eleven years old, does her homework in the family courtyard. Sawera is the youngest daughter of Ms Aqeela Asifi, the 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award. An Afghan refugee, Sawera is a student at her mother's school in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. Currently, there are more than fourteen thousand refugees living in this village, where more than fifty percent of school-aged children do not receive an education. To date, more than one thousand students have completed their studies with Ms Asifi.
Sawera Niazmand, eleven years old, does her homework in the family courtyard. Sawera is the youngest daughter of Ms Aqeela Asifi, the 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award. An Afghan refugee, Sawera is a student at her mother's school in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. Currently, there are more than fourteen thousand refugees living in this village, where more than fifty percent of school-aged children do not receive an education. To date, more than one thousand students have completed their studies with Ms Asifi.
Sawera Niazmand, eleven years old, is in sixth grade at her mother's school in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. Sawera is the youngest daughter of Ms Aqeela Asifi, the 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award. At school she says her mother treats her like every other student, but once they are home, she is back to being "Mom". Currently, there are more than fourteen thousand refugees living in this village, where more than fifty percent of school-aged children do not receive an education. To date, more than one thousand students have completed their studies with Ms Asifi.
Sawera Niazmand, eleven years old, is the youngest daughter of Ms Aqeela Asifi, the 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award. An Afghan refugee, Sawera is a student at her mother's school in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. At school she says her mother treats her like every other student, but once they are home, she is back to being "Mom". Currently, there are more than fourteen thousand refugees living in this village, where more than fifty percent of school-aged children do not receive an education. To date, more than one thousand students have completed their studies with Ms Asifi.
Sawera Niazmand, eleven years old, is the youngest daughter of Ms Aqeela Asifi, the 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award. An Afghan refugee, Sawera is a student at her mother's school in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. At school she says her mother treats her like every other student, but once they are home, she is back to being "Mom". Currently, there are more than fourteen thousand refugees living in this village, where more than fifty percent of school-aged children do not receive an education. To date, more than one thousand students have completed their studies with Ms Asifi.
The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award is Ms Aqeela Asifi, an Afghan refugee teacher working in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. Ms Asifi has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education in this conservative community, where many have been reluctant to send their children to school. Currently, there are more than fourteen thousand refugees living in Kot Chandana refugee village, where more than fifty percent of school-aged children do not receive an education. To date, more than one thousand students have completed their studies with Ms Asifi.
UNHCR Associate Public Information Officer Duniya Aslam Khan in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan.
At the market in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. Currently there are more than fourteen thousand Afghan refugees living in the village.
At the market in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. Currently there are more than fourteen thousand Afghan refugees living in the village.
At the market in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. Currently there are more than fourteen thousand Afghan refugees living in the village.
At the market in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. Currently there are more than fourteen thousand Afghan refugees living in the village.
At the market in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. Currently there are more than fourteen thousand Afghan refugees living in the village.
At the market in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. Currently there are more than fourteen thousand Afghan refugees living in the village.
Name: SaraAge: 13Grade: 7thProvince of Origin: Laghman, AfghanistanCurrent location: Kababian Refugee Village, PeshawarSara is the only child of her parents who is studying at school while her 4 brothers and one sister are out of school due to the unavailability of free education after grade 8th inside the Refugee Village. Her aged and disabled father cannot financially support his family but he is a huge supporter of female education. Her mother supports the family financially by sewing cloths and her brother also work as daily wage labourers. Sara and her parents want her to complete studies but that is only possible if her school is upgraded from primary school to high school. Sara’s school is roughly 2 km away from her home and every morning she takes a shortcut walk to reach school through cornfield ( not very fancy looking fields) . Her parents are also concerned about her safety because they know the cornfields are house to many drug addicts and criminals.Generally financial constraint is the second biggest reason after cultural sensitivities that prevent many girls from continuing their studies. According to teachers at Sara’s school, there were a few instances of dropout but after the School Management Committee’s interventions, parents agreed to resend their daughters to school.
Mubasher Khan, thirty years old, is a Pakistani teacher at the boys middle school in Kot Chandana refugee village. There are more than fourteen thousand refugees currently living in Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan. The 2015 winner of UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award, Ms Aqeela Asifi, has been recognized for her decades-long effort to promote education in this conservative community, where many have been reluctant to send their children to school.
HEALTH
