Muslim student fulfills dream of thanking and hugging Jacinda Ardern

It was a dream come true for Wintec language student, Basira Frotan when she got to thank Prime MinisterJacinda Ardern at Fieldays for her support of Muslim people. Photos / Supplied

Wintec student Basira Frotan had a dream come true during a class trip to Fieldays when she got the opportunity to thank Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern for her support of Muslims in New Zealand.

Basira, from Afghanistan, has been in New Zealand for six years. This was her first visit to Fieldays, the largest agricultural event in the southern hemisphere, and she had no idea what to expect.

What she didn't anticipate was a meeting with New Zealand's prime minister.

Wintec Centre for Languages tutor Karen Kemsley took Basira and her classmates along to the opening ceremony and it was there, they happened to hear the Prime Minister speak.

Basira, who has dreamt of hugging Jacinda and thanking her since the Christchurch shootings in March, described how Jacinda's words, "We are one" and "They are us", had touched her heart and gave her energy when she was reeling from the shock of the shootings.

In an interview with Wintec Media Arts student Hollie Blanchard on April 18, Basira shared her dream saying: "One day, I really want to meet her and to hug her, and say thank you."

Less than two months later, at Fieldays, Basira got her opportunity when her tutor led her through the Prime Minister's entourage, chatted briefly with the security detail and arranged for Basira to talk with the Prime Minister.

Basira did the rest, catching the Prime Minister's attention with a gentle greeting.

Jacinda Ardern immediately reached out and stopped to chat with Basira, giving her the chance to say words she's being longing to say, "Thank you".

Basira described to Jacinda how her words had made her feel strong and how seeing the Prime Minister hug a woman in a hijab had moved her.

She thanked her "for bringing all New Zealanders together on New Zealand's darkest day".

While chatting, they recalled that they'd both attended a welcoming ceremony for New Zealand Army interpreters six years ago, and after talking for a minute or so, they hugged, thanked each other and said goodbye.

Basira's feet haven't touched the ground since."My dream came true!" says Basira.