Zahra Rajabi’s journey from aspiring military pilot in Afghanistan to trainee aviator in Australia is one of resilience, reinvention and quiet determination. After fleeing her home country following the collapse of the Afghan government, Zahra arrived in Australia with limited English and no support network. Her story reached a group of local pilots, who offered to help her continue her dream of flying.

This clip from Touch the Sky captures Zahra in the midst of her training, with the footage reflecting both the technical challenges of aviation and the personal strength required to start over in a new country. Her determination to take flight speaks to the power of community, the importance of representation and the enduring hope that drives so many who migrate in search of safety and opportunity.