大象传媒

Documentary following children and their parents who fled Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover, as they adjust to a new life living in Manchester.

Last year, Broadoak School in Partington, Greater Manchester, found itself welcoming 57 new pupils from Afghanistan as well as four teachers. They had all fled the country and arrived in the UK after the fall of Kabul in August 2021. Emily Wither spent several months with the children, parents, teachers and support workers as the families tried to adjust to a new life and learn a new language, all while living in a hotel as they wait for suitable housing in the UK.

The teachers and students speak of their heartbreak at leaving behind much loved friends and family remaining in Afghanistan who say their lives have changed beyond recognition, and through phone calls home, we hear some of the realities of living under Taliban rule. Meanwhile in Manchester, 12-year-old Irfan and 15-year-old Freshta make English friends, chat about Manchester United and take maths exams, while wondering what the future holds for them in their new home.

Reporter: Emily Wither
Producer: Emma Forde
Sound editor: Richard Hannaford
Translator: Shekiba Habib
Production Co-ordinator: Maria Ogundele
Editor: Nicola Addyman