Building Bridges: How RTDG Transformed Salma’s Life in Pakistan
Religious Tolerance Discussion Group (RTDG) as a Ray of Hope for Salma in Pakistan
A Project of —
Fostering Religious Tolerance for Peace (FRTP)
Salma, a 22-year-old Afghan woman, migrated to Pakistan just six months prior, experienced the emotional turmoil that displacement brought. Salma had her education completed up to the 12th grade in Afghanistan, now facing the the challenges that she didn’t learn at her school. 
Facing Challenges After Migration:
Her family’s struggle with legal registration, visa expiration, and community prejudice compounded her anxieties. Labeled as ‘Farsiban’ by the local community, with halts in education and livelihood and difficulties in accessing basic services, she and her family felt alienated, pushing them to lead a reclusive life.
RTDG as a Ray of Hope:
When Salma was introduced to the “Aman” Religious Tolerance Discussion Group (RTDG), formed by Kadam Communications & Consultants, as sub-awardee of Equal Access International, under US Government Funded ‘Fostering Religious Tolerance and Peace” project, little did she know it would be a beacon of hope.
Joining the Aman group opened new doors for Salma. The RTDG sessions were a source of comfort and enlightenment, introducing her to others who shared similar distress. She found solace in the group’s unity, and positive attitude and compassion of the group members proved instrumental in Salma’s gradual recovery from her distress.
The RTDG group not only provided emotional support but also offered tangible resources like online links to relevant organizations, insights on religious rights, human rights, refugee rights, or Pakistani law, specifically tailored to the needs of the Afghan diaspora. These resources were crucial in effectively addressing the barriers faced by Salma and many like her.
I learned about many other migrants and refugees who are going through similar struggles. I found out about opportunities like RTDG membership where we can come together with our own people and the local communities, where people understand our problems and speak up and advocate for addressing them. Salma
Member of "Aman" RTDG Group
The RTDG group actively promotes the values of compassion and understanding that host communities should offer. The group sessions raise awareness about religious tolerance, rights and the support Afghan diaspora requires in Pakistan. This approach not only increases awareness but also bridges communal divides, cultivating a more inclusive and understanding environment.
A Journey to Recovery:
Salma is on a journey to reclaim her life, learning that she is not alone and that collective strength can bring about change. The once distressed migrant is now a symbol of hope and resilience for many, as she has started her education, learning English in Peshawar, and advocating for the rights and integration of the Afghan diaspora in Pakistan. She is now a dedicated member of the Religious Tolerance Discussion Group (RTDG) “Aman” in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, ensuring more brighter and inclusive future.