One thing I don’t like about being a refugee is how the language used in the media can influence people’s opinion. I especially dislike phrases like ‘illegal immigrants’ – using this term for refugees associates them with a crime which drives a narrative of hate and encourages violence.

Something I’d like to see changed is the lack of facilities, the lack of education and the lack of awareness, I feel it creates a barrier between local people and newcomers, like myself, Haroon, Latif and lots of other refugees. We want to contribute, take part and give back to the community. But the way that the system has been built makes it harder and harder to do those things. We’re trying hard to break down the barriers – finding things like activism, storytelling and speaking out when we see injustice. Having a purpose and passion really helps you meet new people and eventually friends. It’s human nature that we want to give back.

I’m about to start studying computer science with focus on technology for social good. I’m ambitious that one day we can use technology to reduce inequality and fight for progress.

I’d love to see a future where the voice of refugees and the voice of youth is heard, valued and empowered. I’d like a society where we can contribute and feel proud of belonging. Will that be soon? I don’t know— but that’s what I’m striving for.

Haroon (21)

I’m here on my own. My family is still in Afghanistan. I hope we can be together again one day.

I was ten months in a hotel, in two cities. At first, the hotel was far from the town, and there were no English classes, and no opportunities to volunteer or do anything. Then they moved me which was a lot better. I started volunteering with Refugee Council. Then I was moved again. I’ve been waiting to start studying. It takes too long, partly because I’ve been moved around.

I visited Refugee Council, I found some places to play football, learn English, do some volunteering, helping people with their health issues, or to apply to college. I can speak different languages, so I helped with interpreting. I felt a bit better, my mental health improved.

You don’t have enough money to do anything. People are waiting for over a year. You can’t work – people want to work, but it’s not allowed.

I stay awake worrying about my future, wondering how long I will wait. The second thing I worry about is my family, they’re still in my own country, there’s lots of violence and they aren’t safe. Coming from a country with a lot of violence, that’s definitely affected our mental health. When you see the news it’s hard. We need the system to be more humane. We are all humans.

My dream is to become a pilot, I’ve had this hope since I was a child. I’m doing my GCSEs and working hard, I believe I can do it.

Latif (18)

I’m from Afghanistan. I felt so lonely in the hotel, there was a feeling of isolation, I didn’t have any friends or anything to do. Then I got moved to another accommodation. After a few months I found some friends, and I feel a bit better. I’ve found some activities.

You’re far from your family, you don’t know the language, so it’s hard to communicate. People are waiting too long for their decision. You have to find a way to keep busy. People are suffering. Moving around between cities makes it harder.

I used to not sleep – I stayed awake all night worrying. After I moved to a shared house, I tried to be a natural human, I tried to spend more time outside. Humans need to be connected to each other, to a community.

I spend most of my time in the library, I went to the park, tried not to be alone in my room. I also joined a chess club as well. I studied English in my country.

There’s no freedom or safety in Afghanistan. You can’t even listen to the music you want.

It’s very hard for asylum seekers, after losing our lives in our country, to imagine reaching our dreams. But dreaming is the same as food and breathing – we won’t stop. My dream is to help people, I don’t want other people to go through what I’ve been through. I want to show that even when we lose everything, we can start again, and try our best.

Motaz, Haroon and Latif are taking part in the Refugee Council’s Youth Advocacy and Campaigns Group, speaking out for other young refugees and people in the asylum system.