From Afghanistan to BCU: refugee Pervin Juma on her way to becoming a nurse

When Pervin Juma fled Afghanistan in 2021, after the Taliban returned to power, going to university was the last thing on her mind. Five years on, the 21-year-old is well on her way to a nursing degree at Birmingham City University, and she says she is studying for the girls and women back home who no longer can, BCU reports.

Her journey was made possible, she says, by her own determination and by the kindness of the community in her new home of Southwell, especially a woman she calls her "English Grandma", Gill Wright.

"Not something I achieved alone"

"Having people who believed in me, supported my decision, and encouraged me to pursue my ambitions made a tremendous difference," said Pervin. "Their support helped me overcome challenges and take the steps necessary to reach university. Looking back, I realise that pursuing a Nursing degree was not something I achieved alone."

"It was made possible through my own determination and the kindness, generosity, and belief of people who gave their time to help me build a future."

Pervin has wanted to be a nurse since she was seven, when she helped look after her grandfather after he had a stroke.

Carrying the hopes of others

Since 2021, women and girls in Afghanistan have been barred from secondary school and university, and UN agencies reported this week that the path to education for Afghan children continues to narrow. Pervin knows that friends she left behind will not have the opportunity she now has, and it drives her on.

"Knowing that women in Afghanistan face serious barriers to both education and healthcare makes my Nursing degree even more meaningful to me," she said. "Every step I take towards becoming a nurse reminds me why I started this journey and motivates me to keep going, not only for myself, but also for the girls and women whose opportunities have been taken away."

"In many ways, I feel that I am also carrying the hopes and dreams of the girls who were unable to continue their education."

A message for other young women

Over the summer, Pervin shared her story with BBC News, hoping to show how much education matters. "I also hope my story reaches girls and women who may feel that their dreams are out of reach," she said. "I want them to know that their ambitions matter and that they deserve the opportunity to learn, grow, and achieve their goals."

"For those of us who have been given the chance to study and build a future in safety, I believe we should make the most of that opportunity, contribute positively to society, and inspire others along the way."

Training the NHS of the future

Birmingham City University trains large numbers of nurses, midwives and other health professionals for hospitals and community services across the city, with much of its health teaching based at its City South campus in Edgbaston. The NHS relies on new graduates to fill vacancies, and students from many different backgrounds bring languages and life experience that help them care for patients in one of the most diverse cities in Europe.

Pervin's story is also a reminder of what local communities can do. A few people in a small town who chose to help a young refugee have, in turn, helped to give the health service a future nurse.