I'm one of Cameron's 'bunch of migrants': 13-year-old Afghan child's poignant response to PM

Teenager's letter about living alone in the 'Calais jungle' sums up everything wrong with Prime Minister's remark

Friday 29 January 2016 13:03 GMT
Comments
The anonymous writer looking over the camp at Calais
The anonymous writer looking over the camp at Calais

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The writer of this letter lives in a tent with his two younger brothers. He lost his parents on the journey from Afghanistan and now acts as their sole carer. The writer seeks asylum in the UK as he has extended family there.

Dear David Cameron,

I am currently living in a tent in the Jungle, Calais, France. I am 13 years old and from Afghanistan.

I left my country eight months ago because Afghanistan has been in war from before the day I was born. My life was in danger, my school was bombed and my parents were not allowed to work. It was not a nice life.

Because my school was bombed I could not go to class to learn. This was very difficult because I love learning. My favourite lessons were English and maths. I came first in nearly all of my classes.

David Cameron, I am not just a migrant. I am a child that wants to learn, to play and be safe like your children and all other childern in England. 

It's my dream to continue my education. Live in a warm house, be able to take a shower and to eat three meals a day.

Thank you,

Jungle resident.

Children in the Calais camp are encouraged to remain anonymous. You can learn more about the volunteer work being done with children in Calais by Calais Jungle Youth here.

The handwritten, unedited letter appears below:

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in