Freshta Ibrahimi | The Explorers Club 50

One of the many camping trips in the mountains of Afghanistan. Our team was only Afghan women.

Community Organizer and Mountaineer

The Unstoppable Climber

meet freshta

Freshta Ibrahimi, an Afghan refugee based in the UK, holds a Master’s Degree in Outdoor Studies and Therapeutic Opportunities in Outdoors (Health and Wellbeing). As the founder of The Unstoppable Project (UP), she endeavors to foster inclusion, connection, and healing in nature for refugees and asylum seekers. Growing up in Afghanistan, Freshta’s introduction to mountaineering fueled her commitment to assisting fellow refugees. Freshta is currently serving as a Project Coordinator in a charity community gardening for refugees and asylum seekers. Her upcoming challenge involves attempting to climb Mount Sagarmatha (Everest) to convey a message of hope and resilience to women in Afghanistan and refugee communities worldwide.

Nominated by: Joe Grabowski, FI'18

Class of 2024 Location United Kingdom

Follow freshta's work:

Kendal Mountains Festival: This is when the team of Unstoppable from 2022 presented Unstoppable Project.

My current pursuits are deeply intertwined with my personal narrative, reflecting the challenges I have confronted and those I continue to face in my present circumstances. As a refugee residing in the UK, I am distanced from my homeland, where women and innocent citizens grapple with the pervasive oppression under the Taliban’s rule. This reality evokes a profound sense of helplessness and indignation, fueled by my inability to effect change and alleviate the plight of Afghan women who deserve fundamental human rights—such as attending high school, enjoying public spaces, and participating in social activities.

Despite the hardships of my refugee experience in the UK, I am resolute in transforming my feelings of helplessness into a constructive force. My goal is to assist individuals like myself who are navigating similar struggles, their voices often marginalized. It is evident that there is an issue that demands visibility and concerted efforts to raise awareness and gradually mitigate the damage.

Freshta at Iobuche

“My goal is to assist individuals like myself who are navigating similar struggles, their voices often marginalized.”

- Freshta Ibrahimi

Freshta at Mount Everest base camp

Through initiatives like the Unstoppable Project, my aim is to establish platforms and opportunities for refugees and asylum seekers who have endured perilous journeys, marked by profound losses and traumas. This initiative is uniquely valuable as it is spearheaded by someone who has experienced both the challenges of being an asylum seeker and a refugee. By fostering greater support among refugees for their peers, we can cultivate a resilient community in outdoor settings, connecting with nature where individuals can share their respective stories and amplify their voices. This project is crucial because it showcases the strength of communities, demonstrating their capacity to transform adversities into positive change.

VIEW THE EC50 2024 PRINT PUBLICATION