Murtaza Hakimi
My name is Murtaza Hakimi, and I am a professional and community advocate with a Bachelor of Law (LL.B.) in Public and Private Law from Khurshid Institute of Higher Education in Kabul. I am originally from Afghanistan, where I served as a Youth Peace Ambassador. I spent several years navigating the heavy challenges of refugee life in Tajikistan before arriving in Toronto in September 2025. Since arriving, I have focused on rebuilding my career and life in Canada by working and volunteering as a translator for other newcomers. I am currently advancing my studies in Toronto, and I am deeply committed to continuing my education so I can build a meaningful career in public policy, immigrant integration, and humanitarian initiatives.
Murtaza’s Story
From Khost to Canada: A Journey of Resilience, Purpose, and New Beginnings I was born in Khost Province, Afghanistan, and grew up in Kabul, a city that shaped my childhood, education, dreams, and sense of responsibility toward my community. Growing up in Afghanistan taught me that every opportunity for education was precious and that serving others could make a lasting difference. Even at a young age, I believed that positive change begins with ordinary people who are willing to help those around them.
I pursued my higher education with determination and graduated in 2019 with a Bachelor of Law (LL.B.) in Public and Private Law from Khurshid Institute of Higher Education in Kabul. Throughout my academic journey, I developed a deep interest in justice, governance, human rights, public service, and community development. University was much more than attending classes; it became a place where I discovered my passion for leadership, volunteerism, and social impact.
Alongside my studies, I dedicated countless hours to volunteering and community engagement. I worked with different community initiatives as a trainer, mentor, youth supporter, and volunteer, helping organize educational activities, awareness campaigns, and programs that encouraged young people to become active members of society. I enjoyed sharing knowledge, supporting others, and creating opportunities for youth to develop confidence and leadership skills.
Writing also became one of my passions. I authored articles discussing social issues, youth development, education, and community engagement because I believed that ideas have the power to inspire change. I participated in numerous public discussions, educational events, workshops, and community activities that promoted dialogue, cooperation, and peace.
One of the proudest moments of my early journey was being recognized as a Youth Peace Ambassador. Receiving this recognition represented the values I hoped to live by: respect, inclusion, education, and service to others. Like millions of Afghans, however, my life changed dramatically in 2021.
On April 28, 2021, my family and I were forced to flee Afghanistan. Leaving behind our home, our relatives, our memories, our careers, and our future plans was heartbreaking. We arrived in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, carrying only what we could bring with us and hoping for safety.
Nothing truly prepares someone for becoming a refugee. One day you have a home, familiar streets, lifelong friends, and plans for the future. The next day, everything becomes uncertain. You begin asking questions that have no immediate answers: Where will we live? Will we be safe? Will we ever return home? Will we be able to continue our education? Can we rebuild our lives?
Although Tajikistan shared cultural and linguistic similarities with Afghanistan, beginning again was far from easy. Refugee life meant adapting to a completely different reality. Every achievement I had worked for suddenly seemed distant, and I had to rebuild my life from the beginning. There were many difficult moments.
Living as a refugee meant facing uncertainty almost every day. Financial limitations, legal challenges, emotional stress, and concerns about the future became part of daily life. One of the most stressful periods came when refugees began hearing reports that many could face deportation. The fear of being forced to leave once again created enormous anxiety. Planning for the future became nearly impossible because we did not know what tomorrow would bring.
Yet even during those difficult years, I refused to let uncertainty define my future.
Instead of allowing challenges to stop me, I chose to keep learning.
I enrolled in every educational opportunity I could find. I completed numerous short-term and long-term professional development programs, leadership courses, skills training, and capacity-building initiatives. Every certificate represented much more than completing a course; it represented hope, resilience, and my determination to continue growing regardless of my circumstances.
I actively participated in leadership development initiatives, youth engagement programs, innovation competitions, and community projects. I was honored to become the winner of a competitive project competition, demonstrating that even as a refugee, meaningful ideas and hard work could make a difference.
Throughout my time in Tajikistan, I continued serving my community through volunteer work and professional roles supporting migrants, refugees, and local communities. I contributed to educational activities, community outreach, project support, communications, translation, stakeholder engagement, and public awareness initiatives. Working closely with diverse communities strengthened my understanding of empathy, inclusion, teamwork, and service.
I also had the opportunity to represent a software platform as a community ambassador, helping introduce digital solutions and supporting users through communication, outreach, and engagement activities.
As someone passionate about leadership and diplomacy, I was selected to participate in a Model United Nations forum in Tajikistan, where young leaders gathered to discuss global issues, cooperation, and sustainable solutions.
Another significant milestone was becoming a member of youth leadership networks that connected young people dedicated to creating positive social change. These experiences expanded my perspective, introduced me to inspiring individuals from different backgrounds, and reinforced my belief that collaboration is one of the strongest tools for solving complex challenges. Education remained my greatest priority.
Despite the uncertainty of refugee life, I continued striving toward academic excellence and was honored to receive a scholarship to study at the University of Central Asia. Being selected for this opportunity was one of the proudest moments of my refugee journey because it demonstrated that perseverance, commitment, and continuous learning can open doors even during the most challenging circumstances.
Looking back, my years in Tajikistan were filled with both hardship and growth. Refugee life tested every aspect of my resilience, yet it also taught me lessons that no classroom could ever provide. I learned patience when progress seemed slow. I learned adaptability when circumstances changed unexpectedly. I learned courage when facing uncertainty.
Most importantly, I learned that hope is a decision we make every day.
After several years of rebuilding my life as a refugee, another important chapter began.
On September 11, 2025, I arrived in Toronto, Canada. Once again, I found myself starting over. Everything was new: the country, the systems, the workplace, the culture, and daily life. Starting over in Canada required determination, humility, and hard work. Like many newcomers, I understood that building a future would take time. Since arriving in Canada, I have continued embracing every opportunity to learn, contribute, and grow.
I have worked in customer service roles where I developed strong communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and client service skills while serving people from diverse backgrounds. Working in fast-paced environments strengthened my professionalism, adaptability, and ability to remain calm under pressure.
Beyond employment, I have continued volunteering as a translator, helping newcomers overcome language barriers and access important services. Having experienced displacement myself, I understand how meaningful even small acts of support can be for someone beginning a new life in a different country.
I have also continued investing in my education and professional development by enrolling in educational programs and earning admission to continue my studies in Canada. Learning has always been one of the defining principles of my life, and I believe education creates opportunities not only for individuals but for entire communities.
Looking back, my journey has taken me from the mountains of Khost to the streets of Kabul, from refugee life in Dushanbe to a new beginning in Toronto. Each chapter has been different. Each chapter has presented unique challenges. Each chapter has also offered valuable lessons.
My experiences have taught me that leadership is not defined by titles but by service. Success is not measured only by personal achievements, but by the lives we positively influence. And resilience is not about avoiding hardship; it is about continuing to move forward despite it.
Today, my aspirations are greater than ever. I hope to build a meaningful career. I want to continue supporting refugees, immigrants, youth, and vulnerable communities while helping build more inclusive and compassionate societies. I also hope to become a role model for young people who have experienced displacement or adversity. I want them to know that although becoming a refugee changes many things, it does not erase talent, ambition, dignity, or potential.
Being forced to leave my country changed the direction of my life, but it did not change my values. I still believe in education. I still believe in service. I still believe in peace.
I still believe in the power of communities coming together to support one another.
Most importantly, I believe that every challenge carries within it the possibility of a new beginning.
My journey is still being written. The chapters behind me have shaped who I am, but they do not define the limits of who I can become.
If my story inspires even one person to continue believing in themselves despite hardship, then every challenge I have overcome will have had a greater purpose.
This is not only the story of where I have been; it is the story of where I am going.
