"Let’s Throw a Stone into the Water": The Story and Mission Behind Alghochak

Have you ever wondered about the meaning behind our name?

When our organization was established on 6th December 2022, we chose a name that carried deep cultural symbolism, poetry, and a clear vision for our future here in Northern Ireland.

In Dari, Alghochak (غوچک) describes something simple yet profoundly beautiful: a stepping stone thrown into the water to help people cross a river when there is no bridge.

For centuries, this word has been tied to a famous traditional poetic verse:

"Friends, let's pass. It is enough to stand next to the runnel. Let's throw a stone into the water."

When hundreds of Afghan individuals and families found themselves starting over in Belfast, our committee saw a landscape that required a cultural and logistical bridge. We chose to name ourselves Alghochak because that is exactly what we set out to be—a safe, supportive stepping stone for our community as they navigate their new lives in Northern Ireland.

A Historic Launch at Stormont

To mark the beginning of this journey, Alghochak officially launched as part of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Festival at the Stormont Parliament Buildings. Supported by Naomi Long MLA and our close friends at Beyond Skin, the launch was a historic moment of cultural resilience.

With creative expression and music currently forbidden under the regime back home in Afghanistan, our launch became a powerful stand for cultural preservation. We flew in world-class musicians Saphwat Simab (Rubab) and Junaid Ali (Tabla) from London to perform live, loudly declaring that Belfast—a proud UNESCO City of Music—would serve as a safe harbour for Afghan heritage.

Our launching structure also made history in the third sector: Alghochak became the first Afghan organization to appoint a young Afghan woman and poet, Fatima Sarwari, as our Chair and Director.

What Alghochak Stands For Today

As our Chair, Fatima Sarwari, beautifully shared during our inaugural launch:

"I'm so happy because I can take part to preserve the Afghan culture and Afghan music here. Our main plan is to support and preserve Afghan culture, but also to support people who are coming here from Afghanistan. We want to integrate the people of Afghanistan here in this community, and also to raise awareness of people seeking sanctuary."  

Today, Alghochak has grown into a bustling, volunteer-led community interest organization (CIC). The stepping stone we threw into the water back in 2022 has grown into an expansive network of weekly programmes, language classes, youth outdoor adventures, and family gatherings.

We aren't just helping people cross a metaphorical river; we are building a vibrant, inclusive community where Afghan heritage is celebrated as a vital thread in the cultural tapestry of Belfast.