Dunky: The Afghan Dream to Europe

Introduction

Dear readers, what I am about to share is not fiction—it is a heartfelt truth, a cry from the soul of an Afghan youth. In this story, you will hear not only his voice, but also the silent pain of his mother and family left behind. It is the real account of an Afghan boy’s migration to Europe through the “Dunky” system, driven by hardship, sacrifice, and love for his family.

What Is Dunky?

“Dunky” is a local slang term used in South Asia to describe illegal migration, usually by foot, truck, or unsafe means, through dangerous terrains and borders—often with the help of smugglers. It is filled with unimaginable risk, and yet thousands take this route hoping to reach Europe for a better future.

The Story Begins

The young man in this story was our neighbor—a poor but honorable boy. He had a small family: a little brother, a younger sister, and two elderly parents. His father worked tirelessly to provide for them and hoped to brighten his children's future through education.

But fate was unkind. After years of hard labor, the father fell ill. With little access to healthcare, he passed away, leaving the family shattered—both emotionally and financially.

A Son’s Promise

With his father gone, the eldest son now had the full weight of responsibility on his shoulders. His dreams of education died quietly. He made a promise to himself:

“My dreams are lost, but I will not let my mother, sister, and brother lose theirs. I will fulfill their dreams.”

A Silent Decision

He began working in a factory, but his earnings barely covered daily meals. Quietly, without telling his mother, he borrowed money from someone—enough to attempt a journey to Europe through the Dunky system. He began preparations secretly.

A Painful Goodbye

When the day came to leave, his mother cried bitterly. Holding him tightly, she said:

“My son, I do not want my brave heart to leave me. But I see your pain. I leave you in Allah’s hands.”

He describes:

“As I walked away, my mother, little sister, and brother stood crying at the door. I kept turning back to look at them, unsure if I’d ever see them again. I didn’t know if my mother would still be alive when I returned.”

The Journey

He traveled from Afghanistan to Iran. After two days of walking in the snow, his water ran out. One of his companions died from the cold. They stayed awake with the body all night, then in the morning, gently covered him with a piece of cloth and moved on—with tears in their eyes.

They crossed the border into Turkey, and after eight months of hardship, danger, and near-death experiences, he finally reached France.

Reaching France

After arriving in France, he couldn’t work legally. His family had no money to eat. Secretly, he worked with an Indian man in a factory. After 14 months, he received legal documents and started working officially.

Within a year, he repaid all the loans. His younger siblings resumed their education, and his mother finally smiled again. Later, he even fulfilled her dream of performing Hajj.

A Message to Governments

To the Afghan Government:

Please, enough is enough. Start working for your people. Create jobs. Build hope. Give youth a reason to stay.

> To European Governments and People:

We migrants are not criminals—we are your guests, just for a short time. Treat us with kindness. Understand our pain. Many of us have crossed death just to survive.

Conclusion

This story is not just about one boy. It is about thousands of Afghan youths who are forced to take dangerous paths to give their families a better life. Let’s raise our voices to end injustice, poverty, and the dowry system. Let’s build a world where no mother has to cry at the door.

Written by Akhtar Sahil