Hi, my name, is Ahmad.

I am from Afghanistan - a country most people are familiar with.

Like millions of other children there, I grew up in a war-torn country where we have seen only guns, smoke and ashes.

War stole our happy lives, took our loved ones and damaged our healthcare system. Our childhood memories are of the struggle we had to make every day just to live, hoping for a better future.

Despite increasing conflict, my father took us to school every day even though it would take us two hours walking from home to school because of the lack of transport. He insisted on education more than anything else, regardless of the situation, and he hoped for a better world: freedom where everyone can enjoy their life without fear.

I graduated from high school in 2011 and as a result of the high marks I achieved in the university entrance exam, I was offered a scholarship by the Indian government to the University of Pune. I was very proud to achieve a Bachelor of Commerce with a specialism in finance.

On my return to Afghanistan, I was offered a short-term contract to work as finance assistant for a logistics company mainly supplying oil and generators to Afghan forces in eastern Afghanistan. Alongside this job, I volunteered with Afghanistan Peace and Democracy Act – a network of NGOs aimed at promoting peace, democratic values, human rights and gender equality. There, I had the privilege of organising and managing seminars to raise the awareness about basic human rights and freedom.

In September 2016 I joined FINCA, a US based NGO with mission of helping families build assets and lives, working in the audit team. Working for FINCA was a turning point in my life. Besides enjoying the auditing job itself, the role offered travel and allowed me to learn more about ethnic groups and cultures within my country.

A career in auditing and accountancy became my goal, and I started studying for the ACCA accounting qualification.

During my five year tenure with FINCA I had the opportunity to work with different experienced stakeholders, learning lots and growing my experience. Though sadly, it didn’t last.

Conflict was growing every day and we witnessed many bombs in Kabul. When the announcement was made that the US military and NATO forces would withdraw from Afghanistan,  the Taliban and other armed opposition groups used this as an opportunity to strike and take power.

Increased conflict demolished all hopes and many of the achievements and opportunities that had been created in the country. Panic and chaos were like a storm across the country and many people who worked with NGOs and NATO forces were not safe anymore.

By the end of July, most of the provinces had fallen to the Taliban. By mid-August, the government collapsed and the dark reign began where people were denied their basic rights of freedom, and girls were denied access to education.

Watching the scenes of chaos at Kabul airport unfold was terrifying.  Fortunately, the British Army saved our lives (me, my wife and our toddler) and they evacuated us in Operation Pitting. The British government gave us asylum and gave us temporary housing in Crawley.

I wanted to start looking for a job as soon as possible, so I asked the Department of Work and Pensions to help me find a job as I didn’t want to have to accept Universal Credit. As I’m young and fit, I don’t feel it’s right to receive state support while there are many other people who need to be taken care of. 

Fortunately, I was contacted by Andy Winterburgh at audit recruitment company, Hybridge. He told me that my story resonated with him – Andy’s father had been a refugee who escaped from conflict during WWII, rebuilding a life in UK - and Andy made it his mission to help me find employment in the UK.

Andy connected me with several different organisations but I really liked M&G straight away. After my first interview with M&G I told Andy that even if my applications to other organisations were successful, I would choose M&G if they offered me a role, which I’m thrilled to say they did!

The next thing was to confirm my indefinite leave to remain (ILR) status before I started the role. Fortunately, M&G were patient and allowed the time for my ILR status to come through. I’m pleased to say that after a long wait, we received a positive reply from the Home Office.

On my first day I found M&G very friendly, flexible with an adaptive environment. I like that they keep everything simple. I have also since found M&G to be a diverse and inclusive organisation.

I’m very proud to work for M&G.  Since joining I’ve had a lot of support from colleagues, which has helped me integrate well.  Now I can start to repay the kindness of the British people who allowed me and my family to come here and the faith of M&G who gave me this great opportunity.