Gulwali Passarlay

Gulwali Passarlay is an accomplished Afghan refugee, author, activist, and public speaker who has made significant contributions to refugee rights and social justice causes.1 Here's an overview of his background and achievements:

Early Life and Journey

Gulwali was forced to leave Afghanistan at the age of 12 in 2006.1 He endured a harrowing year-long journey across half the world before arriving in the UK in 2007.1 This experience shaped his future and inspired his commitment to raising awareness about refugee issues.

Education and Achievements

Gulwali has excelled academically despite the challenges he faced:

• Graduated with a degree in Politics from the University of Manchester in 20161
• Completed a Master of Public Administration (MPA) at Coventry University in 20181

Professional Roles

Gulwali has taken on several important roles:

• Director at My Bright Kite: Co-founder of this not-for-profit educational organization that supports and empowers young refugees through youth work programs, education, training, and consultancy services23
• Author: Wrote the best-selling autobiography "The Lightless Sky: A Twelve-Year-Old Refugee's Harrowing Escape from Afghanistan and His Extraordinary Journey Across Half The World"1
• Public Speaker: Delivers talks about his experiences as a refugee, inspiring audiences to create positive change2

Advocacy and Recognition

Gulwali is a dedicated advocate for refugee rights and social justice:

• Served as President of the United Afghan Peace Movement and Chairperson of the Afghan Youth Movement2
• Named a Global Youth Ambassador for the children's charity Theirworld2
• Nominated for the 2016 Nansen Refugee Award by the UNHCR2
• Received numerous awards, including the Distinguished Achievement Award (Student of the Year) and the Manchester Leadership Gold Award2

Through his work at My Bright Kite and his various advocacy roles, Gulwali Passarlay continues to make a significant impact in supporting refugees and promoting social justice.12