Sheekeba Nasimi’s family fled Afghanistan in 1999 out of fear of prosecution at the hands of the Taliban.

They arrived in the UK in the back of a refridgerated container. One year after her family arrived, Sheekeba was born in Guys Hospital. Sheekeba’s family chose Britain because it ‘offers equal opportunities’. In 2001 Sheekeba’s family established the Afghanistan and Central Asian Association (ACAA), a charity dedicated to improving the lives of Afghans and all refugees in London. Sheekeba, 21, is now studying at the University of Law. Sheekeba is also helping her father at the charity. She leads the legal clinic, in partnership with local firms, to provide advice and support on housing, employment, litigations and immigration cases. She coordinates legal advice services at the ACAA and works with colleagues, volunteers and external partners to ensure the legal advice clinic runs effectively and efficiently. Furthermore, she is working in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions and the Job Centre in Hounslow to support refugees, BAME individuals and women get into employment and start their own businesses.

As the crisis in Afghanistan unfolded last year, Sheekeba played a fundamental role in helping the ACAA support hundreds of Afghans in the UK to evacuate their families. She was in contact with the Ministry of Defence and Foreign and Common Wealth office daily to support the evacuation of British Nationals stuck in Afghanistan. This was a very difficult time for Sheekeba whilst her family were also stuck in Afghanistan. She woke early everyday to assist the hundreds of Afghans lined up outside of the ACAA office every morning.

Sheekeba has one year remaining of her degree at the University of Law. She plans to continue supporting and assisting refugees settling in the UK.