From Escape to Enterprise: Rebuilding Life in Australia
Jacob Ghaffer arrived in Australia in 2014 at the age of fourteen, leaving behind a life in Pakistan that many would consider privileged. His father held a senior role in the police, and their household was supported by staff who managed daily routines. Beneath that comfort, however, was a family environment marked by ongoing conflict between his parents.
The turning point came when Jacob’s mother decided to leave the marriage. She gave her children a choice, and Jacob, along with his siblings, chose to go with her. What followed was a tense and calculated departure—retrieving passports in secret, preparing documents without his father’s knowledge, and quietly leaving the country. By the time his father discovered what had happened, they were already in Australia.
At first, the move felt exciting. The new environment brought a sense of possibility and change. That feeling gradually gave way to uncertainty as the reality of their situation set in. Arriving on a tourist visa and later applying for asylum meant living without stability. As time passed, Jacob began to feel the emotional impact of separation from his father. Years later, encouraged by relatives, he reconnected with him. The conversation was emotional, but ultimately positive, offering a sense of resolution.
Adjusting to life in Australia presented significant challenges. Entering the school system with limited English, Jacob was placed in an Intensive English Centre, which set him apart from other students. He experienced bullying and struggled to find his place socially. Over time, he developed resilience, gradually improving his language skills and confidence.
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