**Marjie Halati: From an Isolated Childhood in Wales to a Life Dedicated to Refugee Support**
For many, the impulse to dedicate one’s life to supporting others springs from deeply personal experiences. This is particularly true for Marjie Halati, a woman whose journey from an isolating childhood in a Welsh boarding school has shaped her enduring commitment to helping refugees and marginalised women across the world.
Marjie’s story began far from the Welsh countryside. Originally from Iran, she found her young life uprooted at the age of 11 when her parents sent her—without much warning—to boarding school in the seaside town of Rhyl. The move came after a summer spent in London, with the transition coming as a shock. She had no choice in the matter, arriving at the school with little understanding of English and an overwhelming sense of displacement.
Reflecting on her early days in Wales, Marjie recalls the profound sadness and confusion. “There was this incredible coldness—both the temperature and the feeling of being so far removed from anything familiar,” she shared. Surrounded by strangers and unable to communicate, the young Marjie struggled with a deep sense of alienation. She vividly remembers spending many days and months in tears, unable to process what was happening.
Despite the initial hardship, Marjie’s challenging experience became a catalyst for her future endeavours. She now identifies that sense of voicelessness, of being uprooted, as having a direct link to her professional calling. Becoming a psychologist and charity worker, Marjie has channelled her experiences to become a fierce advocate for those pushed to the edges of society, particularly refugees and marginalised women who may feel similarly powerless.
For many years, Marjie ran ‘Omid’ (‘Hope’ in Farsi), an organisation based in Iran that empowered vulnerable women. Her work reached hundreds until, in 2022, the Iranian authorities raided and shut her charity down. Overnight, Marjie lost not only her organisation but also her homeland, as returning to Iran became impossible. Undeterred, she continues her efforts from afar, providing support and expertise to refugee women around the world.
Marjie’s unique journey has recently been featured in the BBC documentary *Finding Hope*, directed by Welsh-Iranian filmmaker Sara Nourizadeh. The documentary charts Marjie’s return to Rhyl, where her boarding school has since been transformed into a hotel. The emotional revisit brought back powerful memories. Marjie recalled, “Even as an adult, being back in that remote setting was difficult; imagining my young self left there felt haunting.”
Yet, despite the sadness interwoven with her memories, Marjie is determined to reshape her connection with Wales. She intends to return on holiday this summer, eager to appreciate its natural beauty and the warmth of its people without letting past sorrows cloud her experience. “I don’t want my memories to spoil the beauty of Wales, and I’ve always found the Welsh people so friendly and lovely,” she remarked.
Her commitment to advocacy remains unwavering. Marjie explains that her humanitarian work is not merely a job but a deep personal conviction. “When you truly believe in the humanity of those you help, it brings passion and energy. It’s not just work—it’s a belief in the goodness and necessity of what we do. Even if you’ve helped just a single person, it’s deeply satisfying,” she said, reflecting on her lifelong mission.
Filmmaker Sara Nourizadeh described the privilege of documenting Marjie’s life, aiming to reflect back the significance of her achievements even amidst loss and exile. Despite losing her charity, her home, and seeing friends imprisoned, Marjie’s story stands as a testament to resilience and the lasting impact one individual can have on countless lives.
For those interested in witnessing Marjie’s journey and learning more about the power of hope and perseverance, her story can be seen in *Finding Hope* on BBC iPlayer. Marjie’s legacy continues—rooted in a difficult past, but firmly focused on a future of compassion and change.