“Home is where I feel safe, seen and free to be myself.”

Sadia, a multi-award-winning artist, photographer, writer and activist, shares her journey of rebuilding her life in the UK. For her, tea is more than a drink; it’s a symbol of home, hospitality and healing, woven into her story of resilience and hope.

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When I arrived in the UK from Pakistan, I had no idea what the asylum system was or what to expect. The journey was traumatic and everything changed overnight. But in the middle of all the uncertainty, I found something new; a version of myself I didn’t know existed.

Back home, I was an art teacher. I loved working with children, and every time one of my students gave me a handmade card or won a competition, it felt like magic. I’d built a career I was proud of, but circumstances forced me to leave it all behind.

Today, I’m a multi-award-winning artist, photographer, activist, campaigner and writer. Through art and photography, I’ve found a new way to speak; about my journey, my community and the struggles asylum seekers face. One of my exhibitions, which featured stories and portraits of young asylum seekers, had such a powerful impact. People left wanting to do more: to volunteer, to donate, to understand.

Photography became my voice.

When I think about home now, it isn’t about a place. Home is where I feel safe, seen and free to be myself. It’s the people who welcome me and the moments where I get to build hope for others like me.

What’s held me together through it all, the ‘gold’ in my journey, has been my community. People who treated me with humanity, not as a number. Friendship, faith and the chance to turn pain into purpose have kept me going.

In Pakistan, tea is never just tea. It’s a welcome, a pause and an act of care. Every gathering, every visit, every quiet moment begins with tea. It’s a daily ritual that connects people and brings comfort, no matter the circumstances.

I like to drink my tea in my ceramic white mug with blue floral prints. It reminds me of home, of hospitality, of peace. It’s not just a design; it’s a part of who I am.

Refugee Week, for me, is about recognising the strength and resilience of people forced to flee. It’s a time to celebrate our contributions, challenge harmful narratives and stand in true solidarity. We are not just displaced people – we are dreamers, doers and survivors.

Standing with refugees means standing for dignity, compassion and justice. And I’ll keep using my art and my voice to make sure all refugees and asylum seekers are heard.

If you’d like to learn more about Sadia’s work, their recent exhibition and ongoing projects, please visit Greater Govanhill and North East Bylines.

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To learn more about Fragments of Hope visit our website here.