Afghan Girl Embarks on School Journey in Kottayam
In a heartwarming scene that welcomed the new academic year, a six-year-old Afghan girl, Behsa Karimi, began her Grade I classes at the Government Lower Primary School, Mudiyoorrkkara, Kottayam. Behsa’s entry into this local school marks a notable milestone as she is the first international student to join the school’s first grade.
Family Ties and New Beginnings in Kerala
Behsa hails from Herat, Afghanistan, and is the daughter of Mohammad Fahim Karimi, a dedicated 33-year-old research scholar pursuing advanced Management Studies at Mahatma Gandhi University (MGU). The family has been settled in Kottayam since 2021, enabling Behsa to begin her early education here, including pre-school, thereby laying a strong foundation for her learning journey.
Welcoming Environment at Government LP School
The school premises were filled with excitement as teachers and students warmly received Behsa. Headmistress Sindhu K. and the faculty expressed their enthusiasm welcoming the young pupil, celebrating the inclusion of a student from abroad for the first time. Behsa quickly adapted to her new environment, engaging playfully with her classmates and exploring the school.
Language and Cultural Integration
Behsa’s father shared a light-hearted remark highlighting his daughter’s swift adaptation: “She speaks more Malayalam than I do. Despite living here for over five years, I know only a few words, while Behsa is already at home in this linguistic environment.” This comment underlines the natural assimilation of the young learner within the local culture, a promising sign for her educational and social development.
Settled Life and Future Prospects in Kottayam
The Karimi family currently resides near Thellakom in Kottayam. While Behsa and her father are on student visas, her mother Ellaha Zahir and younger sister Behar, aged two, are present on dependent visas. Mohammad Fahim Karimi continues his research at MGU with two years remaining in his academic program, making Kottayam both their temporary home and the center of Behsa’s early education.
Support and Preparations for the School Year
On her first day, Behsa received all necessary school materials including textbooks, uniform, and a school bag, facilitating her smooth transition into formal education. The community’s support exemplifies the inclusive spirit embraced by the school and the region, paving the way for a nurturing educational environment for students from diverse backgrounds.
