This year, Mr. Grégoire Fazan’s Year 9 French class studied The Lightless Sky (published in French as Moi, Gulwali), the powerful autobiographical account of Gulwali Passarlay. Throughout the unit, students analysed extracts from the book, took part in debates, created posters, and presented different chapters.

In May 2026, they had the immense privilege of welcoming Gulwali Passarlay to ISL for an afternoon of discussion, reflection, and meaningful exchange. Below, Year 9 student Louis shares his personal account of this unforgettable experience.

An Unforgettable Meeting

Last May, Mr. Fazan, our French teacher at ISL, organised a meeting between Gulwali, an Afghan refugee, and the Year 9 students who had read his book.

Our class had the opportunity to spend an entire afternoon with the author to gain a deeper understanding of his heartbreaking childhood, how those experiences continue to affect him as an adult, and what it felt like to be a refugee at just 11 years old.

His talk was deeply moving. Through his story, we realised just how fortunate we are to live in a country like ours, free from the constant threat of death, without bombs falling ever closer, and far removed from the unimaginable conditions experienced by people in countries like Gulwali's.

A Journey Marked by Friendship

We spoke about all the hardships he endured alongside his travelling companion, Hamid. Together, they took us back through the most emotional moments of their year-long journey.

We were deeply moved to discover that it was their unwavering friendship that gave them the strength to survive and face such unimaginable hardship.

The Past Still Leaves Its Mark

They also told us about their lives after the journey, becoming British citizens, and being reunited with their families.

As they spoke about the new methods used by coastguards to push back migrants, we could still see the pain in their eyes. The trauma they had experienced remained evident, even many years later.

A Powerful Message for Future Generations

Throughout their story, one message came across again and again: protecting refugee children must be an absolute priority.

They explained that no child should ever have to endure such an ordeal, and that preserving the innocence of children for as long as possible is essential. Being exposed to such violence at a young age inevitably has lasting consequences for their development.

A reflection that continues long after the meetingA Reflection That Lasts Beyond the Meeting

At the end of our meeting with Gulwali, we all left feeling deeply affected, reflecting on everything we had heard.

Personally, I kept thinking about it for several days. It made me realise that no one, whether a child or an adult, should ever have to experience what Gulwali went through.

That is why we all have a role to play, however small, in helping to reduce this suffering. We can donate to charities, volunteer our time, or give everyday items to those in need. Every act of kindness has the potential to change someone's life.

After crossing countries in overcrowded boats, walking for countless hours, and enduring violence and abuse at the hands of smugglers, it is clear that people who have lived through such experiences need support to rebuild their lives, integrate into society, and find a place where they belong.

Above all, it is our generation's responsibility to help ensure that such situations do not happen again by addressing the root causes of these crises and promoting peace, understanding, and living together.

Text written by Louis, Year 9 student, following thr meeting with Gulwali Passarlay in May 2026.