An Interview with Sabira & Naiha · Refugee Week 2025

Sabira once chased off a wolf with nothing but a stick. “One day, I was out in the mountains with our animals,” she says, laughing. “A wolf came to attack the sheep, and I had a big stick. I defended them. It was very scary, but I was brave!”

Sabira arrived in the UK from Afghanistan four years ago and now lives in London with her husband and daughter. Earlier this year, her parents joined her and her siblings- a reunion that brought joy and comfort. However, settling in a new country hasn’t been easy. “In the beginning, I was very sad because of my country,” she says. “It was very hard to leave everything behind.” 

Naiha moved to London almost 11 years ago to attend university. At the same time, she became part of King’s Cross Church, and has been involved in its community ever since. Their friendship began when Sabira, struggling with damp in her flat, came to the Community Café at King’s House at the invitation of fellow school Mum’s Jo and Lulu. A few days later she was given a dehumidifier. “That helped so much,” Sabira recalls. “She was so kind, even though we didn’t know each other.” For Naiha, her first impression of Sabira was equally strong. Despite being unwell at the time, “She had this calm, gentle presence… she was so warm and kind, even in a tough situation.”

The two grew closer over time, bonding through activities like Craft and Conversation on Mondays and women’s football on Tuesdays.  “I enjoy football, enjoy playing, and getting better every week. It’s really fun… I remember encouraging all the sisters. One of them said, ‘Oh no, I don't have time.’ But I kept pushing her and now she enjoys it! She goes every week and is really happy.” 

Craft and Conversation, held on Mondays, is another key part of their shared week. They’ve made jewellery, candles, and cards together, and also built friendships. Both women believe these kinds of activities go beyond just filling time. They create space for connection and encouragement. “I’m not naturally crafty,” Naiha admits, “but having people next to you saying, ‘can I help with that?’ and at football, if you feel like you played badly, your team will say, ‘No, you’re doing fine, next week will be better.’ It gives you a space to challenge yourself but also to receive encouragement... and give encouragement too.” 

For Sabira, the importance of these spaces extends beyond friendship and fun, they’re also a way to rebuild her career. A trained nurse, she’s working toward being able to practice in the UK. “It’s very good to practise English,” she explained. “I’m a nurse and want to work here. I need to practise more and more English with English speakers. So every week, I try to go to community places like King’s House to learn and practise.”

Their friendship is rooted in care and also cultural understanding. “She reminds me of home,” says Naiha. “I was born and raised in England, but I’m Indian and we often talk about the overlap between Indian and Afghan culture... Like, we usually get the bus back together after craft and it’ll be like 9 p.m. and Sabira will say, ‘Do you want to come for a cup of tea?’ And I’m like no one in London would do that! That kind of spontaneous hospitality.” Sabira adds: “My favourite thing about Naiha… actually everything. She is really nice... When I see her, I feel very warm in my heart, like she’s my family.”

When Sabira is asked what brings her hope, her answer comes quickly. “From here. From this community. From this café. I saw my friends here - they were happy, helpful, full of energy. I was thinking, yes- I can. I started hoping from last year, when I came to this café. And now I’m happy. I am very thankful.”