Young Afghan refugees in Quetta aspire and strive for a better future, however,  the struggle to find opportunities and the  sense of belonging remains. Like other young people, they face challenges that extend far beyond displacement—limited access to education, skills development, and social inclusion. But amidst these hardships, a new beacon of light has emerged. The Adolescent and Youth Friendly Spaces named “Aghaaz” for Youth Development, established by UNFPA Pakistan with the support of the Government of the Netherlands, has become more than just a learning space—it is a sanctuary of hope, growth, and community.

A Place of Acceptance and Hope

Zaid, an Afghan student pursuing a Master’s in International Relations at BUITEMS University, recalls the loneliness and alienation he once felt as a refugee in Quetta.

“For the first time, I felt accepted,” he shares.

In certain parts of Quetta, people look at Afghan refugees with pity. But the moment I stepped into Aghaaz Center, everything changed. Here, I can speak about myself freely. It doesn’t matter where I come from—I am accepted in every single way.

Zaid, like many other Afghan refugees, had lost hope. Coming from a war-ridden homeland, many of them struggle to see a future beyond survival. But for Zaid, the AYFS is more than a facility—it is a message of resilience.

“This place is a glimmer of hope,” he says passionately.

I will share this with my community. Why should we give up when there’s still a chance? Every Afghan deserves a space like this.

He believes that such centers should be extended to other areas in Balochistan, where large Afghan refugee populations reside. “Every single refugee deserves such facilities,” he insists.

Breaking Barriers, Building Confidence

Zahra, a BS Education student at BUITEMS, echoes this sentiment. For her, the center is a place where young Afghan refugee girls can boost their confidence in a friendly and encouraging environment. She acknowledges that many Afghan refugees, especially those from conservative backgrounds, struggle to break out of the constraints imposed by war and displacement.

“In my opinion, 60% of Afghan refugees belong to a conservative section of society because they have witnessed severe war and terror,” she explains. “Opportunities like this help them think beyond boundaries, despite political issues between Afghanistan and Pakistan.”

Zahra strongly encourages Afghan youth to integrate into the local community.

My message to all Afghan refugees is to learn the language of the land and understand the culture of the community you are living in. Sitting at home due to fear or uncertainty is not an option. Go out, meet people. It’s okay to make mistakes because that’s how we learn and grow.

She highlights the importance of socializing and taking advantage of the opportunities provided by organizations working for free education and youth development.

A Journey of Self-Discovery and Empowerment

For Fatimah Noor, a Pakistani citizen, a BS Biotechnology student and provincial-level squash player, the Aghaaz Center has been a place of self-discovery and emotional healing. She learned about the center through a mentor and found solace within its walls.

I went through a severe anxiety attack due to career pressure and personal issues,” she recalls. “In university, I faced physical and psychological harassment from my friends, which pushed me into a dark space. I had no place to turn to until I discovered the Aghaaz Center.

Before the establishment of the center, Fatimah and her peers would gather at Quetta Book Café—a space that primarily hosted film reviews and casual discussions. But it lacked the structured support that young people like her desperately needed.

“The first time I walked into the center, I felt at peace. I could finally open up without the fear that my words would be judged or leaked outside. For me, this isn’t just a training space—it’s my safe space,” she says.

Fatimah attended several mental health sessions at the center, which helped her overcome her inner turmoil. She also benefited from the career counseling services, which gave her clarity about her future. But perhaps the most transformative aspect of her journey was reclaiming her self-worth.

I was overweight and faced body shaming from my own friends,” she shares. “Their words hurt so much that I locked myself inside for hours, freezing my studies. Eventually, I lost 53kg—not for myself, but because of their cruel comments.

Now, with the support of the Aghaaz Center, she has gained a new perspective. “I don’t fight with myself anymore. I see both sides of the picture. Our generation is messy, psychologically burdened, and often unable to discuss our struggles with our families. In such a situation, having a facility like this is nothing short of a blessing.”

A Safe Haven for Healing and Growth

For Muhammad Naveed Khan, the Manager of the Aghaaz Center, this initiative is about more than just providing resources—it’s about creating a much-needed safe space for the youth of Quetta.

We have a very diverse youth population in Quetta—struggling individuals, trauma survivors, and energetic young minds eager to learn,” he says. “This is the first youth center in Quetta, and it is the need of the day.

The center is inclusive, welcoming both Afghan refugees and members of the host community. Muhammad Naveed and his team actively engage with local universities and the Commissionerate for Afghan Refugees (CAR) to spread awareness about the center and its resources. The goal is simple: to provide a judgment-free space filled with positive energy, where young people can learn, utilize the space to earn, connect, and heal.

A Movement of Hope and Inclusion

The Adolescent and Youth Friendly Space is more than a project—it is a movement. A movement that fosters hope, unity, and empowerment. A movement that ensures no refugee or underprivileged youth feels alone in their journey toward a brighter future.

As Zaid, Zahra, Fatimah, and many others have discovered, the center is not just a space for learning—it is a community where they are seen, heard, and valued. It is a testament to the power of inclusion, proving that when young minds are given the right opportunities, they can rise above their past and create a future filled with possibilities.

UNFPA Pakistan with the support from the Government of Netherlands have established Adolescent and Youth Friendly Spaces in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan and Islamabad so far.