Afghan refugee, Mohammad Asif

In Afghanistan, both my parents were doctors and I was a journalist. Our family had been harassed during the Russian-backed regime but this became much worse after the Taliban victory. My father was killed in 1997. Eventually it became unsafe for me to stay in Afghanistan and in 2000 I came to Britain to seek asylum.

After the first few weeks in London I was dispersed to Glasgow, first to Red Road and later to Sighthill. It was very difficult at first. Every asylum seeker knows the feelings of anxiety caused by living in limbo while your application is processed.

Many acts of kindness

I was luckier than many because I could speak English and knew something about Scotland. When I was a youngster studying journalism in Malaysia, one of my lecturers was a Glaswegian and I learnt a great deal from him about his city and, most importantly, became accustomed to his accent.

The Scots are a friendly nation and I was shown many acts of kindness. Most of my friends are now Scots and I am sure this was easier for me to get to know them because I had no difficulty communicating.

We are all Jock Tamson’s bairns

Another factor that helped me to settle in was my interest in football. Afghans have a passion for the game and I immediately became addicted to the SPL. I also play for the staff team at Anniesland College where I work as a student adviser.

Sport is a language that people in every part of the world can understand whatever their race, religion or culture. It is this that gives me the most hope for a future where people can live in peace, regardless of their differences. In the end we are all Jock Tamson’s bairns – especially on the football field.

Scotland’s future is my future

For the past six months I have had formal refugee status, which has made me feel as if I finally have a right to call Scotland my home.

I feel settled in Glasgow now, surrounded by friends and doing something useful to contribute. Although I often miss Afghanistan and will always be proud of my cultural heritage, my life is here now. Scotland's future is my future and I want to be part of whatever lies in store.

Mohammad Asif
Mohammad’s widowed mother and brother and sister still live in Afghanistan