A Journey of Resilience: Helping Afghan Refugees Find Hope

In the face of adversity, the human spirit shows its resilience and capacity for compassion. This is the remarkable story of Tariq, a former Afghan National Police officer, and his family. This story is not just about their struggle for survival but also about the power of community and the potential for collective action to bring about meaningful change.  

  A Friend in Need  

It all began with an introduction between Daniel Colgan, a Perth based business owner to a retired Catholic priest, Father Meath Conlan, known to his friends as Doug. Meath has lived an extraordinary life working with the Dalai Lama at an inter-faith level, Mother Teresa, and Fr. Bede Griffiths at Shantivanam ashram in South India. Meath has dedicated his life to education and spiritual leadership. He teaches English via Zoom to women and girls in Afghanistan through the Jesuit Worldwide Learning program. This connection led to a student seeking help for her uncle, Tariq.  

  Tariq’s Ordeal  

Tariq served in the Afghan National Police for over a decade, rising through the ranks to become the Deputy Assistant Prosecutor in a district of Kabul. His role was fraught with danger, constantly under threat from the Taliban. Despite the murder of his soldier brother to by the Taliban, Tariq continued his work, which ultimately put his own life and the lives of his family in grave danger.  

  When Kabul fell to the Taliban in August 2021, Tariq went into hiding in the provinces, moving between friends and family, often living in caves and on farms to evade capture. This help cost some friends their lives. His wife, Rahila, and their three children also went into hiding in Kabul, enduring severe hardship and constant fear.  

  The Escape  

In November 2022, with the financial help of Fr Meath and Daniel, Tariq and his family were smuggled out of Afghanistan into Pakistan. This journey was perilous and fraught with challenges, including closed borders and threats from people smugglers. They eventually reached Islamabad, where they began a new chapter, albeit with significant difficulties.   

Seeking Asylum  

Their many supporters have been working tirelessly to secure a stable future for Tariq and his family. Applications for asylum have been submitted to Australia, Canada, and the USA, each with its own set of complexities and challenges. In the meantime, Tariq has found work in a restaurant, learning new skills and supporting his family.  

  A Call for Support  

This journey has been supported by generous contributions from friends and colleagues. For instance, family friends of the Colgan family, offered financial support after learning about the situation, reflecting the impact personal connections can have in times of need.  

  How You Can Help  

We are reaching out to the broader community for support. Here’s how you can help:  

  1.   Financial Contributions: Donations are needed to cover living expenses, visa applications, and other necessary costs. Although contributions are not tax-deductible, every dollar goes directly to supporting families like Tariq’s.
  2.   Donations of Technology: Laptops and tablets are crucial for educational purposes, especially for women and girls in Afghanistan who continue to face barriers to education.

  The Bigger Picture  

The situation in Afghanistan remains dire. Billions have been spent, and countless lives have been lost, yet the Taliban remains a significant threat. Education, particularly for women, is a powerful tool that can help shift the balance towards a more enlightened and connected society.  

  By supporting education and providing resources, we can help create a groundswell of change from within. Educated and empowered individuals, especially women, can drive long-term change and challenge oppressive regimes.  

  Join Us in Making a Difference  

We invite you to join us in supporting this cause. By contributing financially or donating technology, you can make a significant impact on the lives of Afghan refugees and help them rebuild their lives in safety and dignity.  

 For more information or to contribute, please contact us directly. Together, we can make a difference.  

  Contact Information:  

Email: daniel@colgan.com.au  

Phone: 0438 950 070