Qatar Connections Civic Engagement Fellowship
QSAP scholars building projects for their communities
More than two dozen QSAP students and alumni designed civic engagement projects spanning mental health, legal literacy, digital and cyber safety, education access, gender equity, and belonging, supporting Afghan communities and displaced people around the world.
Projects from the Fellowship
The Qatar Connections Civic Engagement Fellowship supports QSAP students and alumni in designing projects that respond to needs they have seen firsthand in classrooms, in clinics, in courtrooms and in the long process of settling somewhere new.
Each project below is led by a scholar currently studying at, or recently graduated from, a university in the United States.
- Rights & legal literacy
Empowered Women, Informed Futures
Zuhal Sahibzada •
Master of Laws in international human rights, Northwestern Pritzker School of Law
Zuhal Sahibzada
Master of Laws in international human rights, Northwestern Pritzker School of Law
Focuses on women’s rights and mental well-being. Through workshops, seminars and accessible online resources, the project aims to provide Afghan women with information and guidance to better understand their rights, address cultural barriers and make informed decisions in their families and communities.
- Economic empowerment
Afghan Women’s Business & Leadership Institute (Hybrid Program)
Sohaila Alizada •
MBA in finance and business analytics, St. Cloud State University
Sohaila Alizada
MBA in finance and business analytics, St. Cloud State University
A hybrid program designed to provide Afghan girls with digital skills, entrepreneurship training, academic learning and mentorship. Through online instruction and weekly workshops, participants would develop skills to support freelancing, small-business development and other income-generating opportunities.
- Education & mentorship
Afghan Voices
Shakila Mohammadi •
Master of Laws, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Shakila Mohammadi
Master of Laws, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
A national debate initiative for Afghan students across the United States. The project is designed to give young Afghans, including students who have experienced displacement, a platform to discuss civic and social issues while strengthening communication, critical thinking and leadership skills.
- Belonging & storytelling
Resettled and Rising
Shahdukht Tapesh •
Human rights and law
Shahdukht Tapesh
Human rights and law
A podcast centered on the experiences of refugees, immigrants and resettled communities. Through personal stories and conversations, the project explores the challenges, resilience and contributions of people rebuilding their lives after displacement, with the goal of strengthening understanding and community connection.
- Environment & community
Food Waste Management Through Bokashi Fermentation
Shafiqa Mogul •
QSAP fellow
Shafiqa Mogul
QSAP fellow
A community-based environmental project aimed at reducing the amount of food waste sent to landfills. The initiative introduces Bokashi fermentation as an alternative way to manage food waste and encourages environmentally responsible practices at the community level.
- Health & wellbeing
Mind Squad
Shabnam Noorzai •
International relations, California State University, Sacramento
Shabnam Noorzai
International relations, California State University, Sacramento
A peer-led initiative focused on mental health and practical life skills for immigrant and refugee youth. Through workshops, peer-support circles and resource-sharing activities, the project addresses stress and cultural adjustment while helping young people develop skills related to college applications, resume writing, career preparation and future planning.
- Health & wellbeing
Brothers Beyond Borders
Sayed Anwar Ibrahimi •
Software engineering, Rutgers University
Sayed Anwar Ibrahimi
Software engineering, Rutgers University
A peer-support initiative for male Afghan students at Rutgers. Through monthly meetings, participants would discuss academic and personal challenges, cultural adjustment and mental well-being while sharing strategies for navigating university life. The project seeks to create a continuing support network for Afghan students adapting to new academic institutions and communities.
- Economic empowerment
Vocational Excellence Institution
Sanam Younasi and Sayed Manshor Sadat •
Applied economics and software engineering, St. Cloud State University
Sanam Younasi and Sayed Manshor Sadat
Applied economics and software engineering, St. Cloud State University
An initiative designed to provide Afghan girls and young women, particularly those with limited access to formal education, with practical vocational skills. Through digital literacy, information technology training, traditional handicrafts, mentorship and hybrid learning, VEI aims to create pathways to employment, entrepreneurship and greater economic independence.
- Digital safety & literacy
CyberSmart Communities
Rabieullah Naseri •
Cybersecurity, University of Tulsa
Rabieullah Naseri
Cybersecurity, University of Tulsa
Focuses on improving digital literacy and cybersecurity awareness among young people and students in Afghanistan. Through interactive workshops, cyberthreat simulations and a social media awareness campaign, the project would teach participants how to recognize phishing attempts, protect personal information, secure social media accounts and practice safer online behavior.
- Rights & legal literacy
Bridges of Belonging
Palwasha Amin •
Master of Laws
Palwasha Amin
Master of Laws
A multilingual digital platform designed to help Afghan refugees navigate life in the United States. The platform brings together information on legal rights, immigration, health care, public benefits, education, employment and other resources in English, Dari and Pashto, making essential information easier for newly arrived Afghans to find and understand.
- Education & mentorship
Empowering Afghan Girls and Children
Omar Amin •
Business analytics, Clark University
Omar Amin
Business analytics, Clark University
Designed to expand informal learning opportunities for children in Afghanistan. The project proposes small-group lessons supported by volunteer mentors, bilingual learning materials and digital tools, with a focus on literacy and numeracy. Over one year, the initiative aims to reach about 100 learners with the support of 10 volunteer mentors.
- Education & mentorship
Women Leading Forward
Narwan Dadgar •
Master of Laws, Penn State University
Narwan Dadgar
Master of Laws, Penn State University
Supports refugee and immigrant women as they adjust to life in new communities. Through workshops, mentorship and peer support, the initiative focuses on practical challenges such as language barriers, transportation and navigating public resources while also providing civic education and leadership development.
- Education & mentorship
Empower Her Future
Najla Amini •
Anthropology, University of Tulsa
Najla Amini
Anthropology, University of Tulsa
A mentorship and education initiative for Afghan teenage girls who have lost access to formal schooling. The project is designed to support 25 to 30 girls through workshops led by female educators and mentors, with a focus on English, digital literacy, leadership, personal development and goal setting.
- Belonging & storytelling
Stories Behind Borders (Clark University)
Mujiburahman Safi •
Business analytics, Clark University
Mujiburahman Safi
Business analytics, Clark University
Focuses on the experiences of Afghan and displaced students. Through interviews, written stories and multimedia content, the project seeks to document experiences of migration, identity, resilience and belonging while creating a space for students to share stories that might otherwise go unheard. The stories will be compiled into a digital collection and potentially shared through campus events.
- Rights & legal literacy
Bridging the Gender Silence
Maryam Zakare •
MS computer science, University of Tulsa
Maryam Zakare
MS computer science, University of Tulsa
Addresses gaps in gender awareness and seeks to encourage culturally sensitive conversations about gender, identity, the body and emotions. Through workshops, storytelling and creative expression, the initiative aims to reduce stigma and promote empathy, dignity and mutual respect.
- Environment & community
Clean Future Afghanistan
Maryam Sajid •
Finance, St. Cloud State University
Maryam Sajid
Finance, St. Cloud State University
Focuses on environmental health and waste-management challenges in Afghanistan. Through community workshops, cleanup activities, educational campaigns and youth engagement, the initiative seeks to encourage environmental responsibility and greater community ownership of public spaces.
- Education & mentorship
Marginalized Individuals Mentorship
Mahdia Yari •
Political science, University of Mississippi
Mahdia Yari
Political science, University of Mississippi
Designed to support young Afghan girls in rural communities through mentorship and educational preparation. The initiative would provide guidance on essay writing, interviews, college preparation, scholarships and other opportunities that can help participants prepare for higher education.
- Economic empowerment
Sahl (Ease)
Hamidullah Nazari •
MBA in finance, Clark University
Hamidullah Nazari
MBA in finance, Clark University
A financial literacy and resource-management initiative for refugees and immigrants. Through accessible workshops and peer learning, the project is designed to teach practical skills such as budgeting, saving and informed financial decision-making.
- Health & wellbeing
Mental Health Buddy
Hadia Haded Mubashir •
MS computer science, University of New Haven
Hadia Haded Mubashir
MS computer science, University of New Haven
A web-based platform designed to make information about anxiety, depression and mental well-being more accessible. The platform includes organized mental health resources and an interactive chatbot, with plans to further develop tools that provide personalized guidance and connect users with mental health professionals.
- Digital safety & literacy
Cyber Safety & Digital Empowerment
Fatima Fayazi •
Computer science, University of Kentucky
Fatima Fayazi
Computer science, University of Kentucky
Designed to equip refugee and immigrant students with practical knowledge about cybersecurity, digital safety, personal data protection, financial security and basic artificial intelligence awareness, helping them navigate online spaces more safely and confidently.
- Education & mentorship
Voices of Literacy
Fatema Afshar •
Master of Public Policy, Arizona State University
Fatema Afshar
Master of Public Policy, Arizona State University
Focuses on helping Afghan women strengthen their English-language skills through mentorship and accessible learning opportunities. The project aims to support greater confidence, independence and participation in their communities.
- Belonging & storytelling
Global Voices Hub
Fariwar Abed •
MBA, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Fariwar Abed
MBA, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Promotes belonging and connection among international and domestic students. Through storytelling circles, cultural events, book clubs and collaborative programs, the initiative is designed to create opportunities for students from different backgrounds to share experiences and build cross-cultural relationships.
- Education & mentorship
One Journey: A Pathway to Possibility
Elham Mansoory •
International relations, Arizona State University
Elham Mansoory
International relations, Arizona State University
Designed to support immigrant and refugee youth as they navigate higher education. The initiative would connect young people with information about colleges, scholarships and internships while providing mentorship, skill-building and professional development opportunities.
- Economic empowerment
Afghan Women’s Business & Leadership Institute
Basit Samadi •
Business economics, St. Cloud State University
Basit Samadi
Business economics, St. Cloud State University
Designed to equip Afghan girls with digital skills, entrepreneurship training, practical business knowledge and mentorship. The initiative aims to help participants pursue freelance opportunities, start small businesses, access broader markets and build greater financial independence.
- Health & wellbeing
Move and Rise
Barin Bahrami •
Accounting, Salve Regina University
Barin Bahrami
Accounting, Salve Regina University
A community-based initiative designed to support people experiencing stress and mental health challenges. Through activities such as nature walks, light running, outdoor stretching and creative practices, the project seeks to promote emotional well-being, social connection and a sense of belonging, particularly among people adjusting to new environments.
- Rights & legal literacy
Legal Literacy for Empowerment
Asiya Karimi •
Master of Laws, Northwestern Pritzker School of Law
Asiya Karimi
Master of Laws, Northwestern Pritzker School of Law
Seeks to expand Afghan women’s access to legal knowledge through free online workshops and mentorship. Sessions in Dari and Pashto would cover human rights, legal literacy and advocacy skills while connecting Afghan women with law students and legal professionals around the world.
- Health & wellbeing
HerWell: Afghan Women’s Health Education Circle
Amena Bakhtyar •
Master of Public Health, Binghamton University
Amena Bakhtyar
Master of Public Health, Binghamton University
Provides culturally sensitive health education for Afghan girls and women. Through monthly online sessions, the initiative would address menstrual and reproductive health, hygiene, nutrition and emotional well-being while creating a supportive space for participants to ask questions and access reliable health information.
- Belonging & storytelling
Stories Behind Borders
Ahmad Pardis Rassuli •
Political science and economics, Bard College
Ahmad Pardis Rassuli
Political science and economics, Bard College
Provides a platform for Afghan and other displaced students to share their experiences of migration and identity. Through interviews, writing sessions and digital or campus-based storytelling, the project aims to amplify newcomer voices, humanize experiences of displacement and strengthen cross-cultural understanding.
- Education & mentorship
Afghan Voices
Shakila Mohammadi •
Master of Laws, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Shakila Mohammadi
Master of Laws, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
A national debate initiative for Afghan students across the United States. The project is designed to give young Afghans, including students who have experienced displacement, a platform to discuss civic and social issues while strengthening communication, critical thinking and leadership skills.
- Education & mentorship
Empower Her Future
Najla Amini •
Anthropology, University of Tulsa
Najla Amini
Anthropology, University of Tulsa
A mentorship and education initiative for Afghan teenage girls who have lost access to formal schooling. The project is designed to support 25 to 30 girls through workshops led by female educators and mentors, with a focus on English, digital literacy, leadership, personal development and goal setting.
- Education & mentorship
Women Leading Forward
Narwan Dadgar •
Master of Laws, Penn State University
Narwan Dadgar
Master of Laws, Penn State University
Supports refugee and immigrant women as they adjust to life in new communities. Through workshops, mentorship and peer support, the initiative focuses on practical challenges such as language barriers, transportation and navigating public resources while also providing civic education and leadership development.
- Education & mentorship
Empowering Afghan Girls and Children
Omar Amin •
Business analytics, Clark University
Omar Amin
Business analytics, Clark University
Designed to expand informal learning opportunities for children in Afghanistan. The project proposes small-group lessons supported by volunteer mentors, bilingual learning materials and digital tools, with a focus on literacy and numeracy. Over one year, the initiative aims to reach about 100 learners with the support of 10 volunteer mentors.
- Education & mentorship
One Journey: A Pathway to Possibility
Elham Mansoory •
International relations, Arizona State University
Elham Mansoory
International relations, Arizona State University
Designed to support immigrant and refugee youth as they navigate higher education. The initiative would connect young people with information about colleges, scholarships and internships while providing mentorship, skill-building and professional development opportunities.
- Education & mentorship
Voices of Literacy
Fatema Afshar •
Master of Public Policy, Arizona State University
Fatema Afshar
Master of Public Policy, Arizona State University
Focuses on helping Afghan women strengthen their English-language skills through mentorship and accessible learning opportunities. The project aims to support greater confidence, independence and participation in their communities.
- Education & mentorship
Marginalized Individuals Mentorship
Mahdia Yari •
Political science, University of Mississippi
Mahdia Yari
Political science, University of Mississippi
Designed to support young Afghan girls in rural communities through mentorship and educational preparation. The initiative would provide guidance on essay writing, interviews, college preparation, scholarships and other opportunities that can help participants prepare for higher education.
- Economic empowerment
Afghan Women’s Business & Leadership Institute (Hybrid Program)
Sohaila Alizada •
MBA in finance and business analytics, St. Cloud State University
Sohaila Alizada
MBA in finance and business analytics, St. Cloud State University
A hybrid program designed to provide Afghan girls with digital skills, entrepreneurship training, academic learning and mentorship. Through online instruction and weekly workshops, participants would develop skills to support freelancing, small-business development and other income-generating opportunities.
- Economic empowerment
Vocational Excellence Institution
Sanam Younasi and Sayed Manshor Sadat •
Applied economics and software engineering, St. Cloud State University
Sanam Younasi and Sayed Manshor Sadat
Applied economics and software engineering, St. Cloud State University
An initiative designed to provide Afghan girls and young women, particularly those with limited access to formal education, with practical vocational skills. Through digital literacy, information technology training, traditional handicrafts, mentorship and hybrid learning, VEI aims to create pathways to employment, entrepreneurship and greater economic independence.
- Economic empowerment
Sahl (Ease)
Hamidullah Nazari •
MBA in finance, Clark University
Hamidullah Nazari
MBA in finance, Clark University
A financial literacy and resource-management initiative for refugees and immigrants. Through accessible workshops and peer learning, the project is designed to teach practical skills such as budgeting, saving and informed financial decision-making.
- Economic empowerment
Afghan Women’s Business & Leadership Institute
Basit Samadi •
Business economics, St. Cloud State University
Basit Samadi
Business economics, St. Cloud State University
Designed to equip Afghan girls with digital skills, entrepreneurship training, practical business knowledge and mentorship. The initiative aims to help participants pursue freelance opportunities, start small businesses, access broader markets and build greater financial independence.
- Health & wellbeing
Brothers Beyond Borders
Sayed Anwar Ibrahimi •
Software engineering, Rutgers University
Sayed Anwar Ibrahimi
Software engineering, Rutgers University
A peer-support initiative for male Afghan students at Rutgers. Through monthly meetings, participants would discuss academic and personal challenges, cultural adjustment and mental well-being while sharing strategies for navigating university life. The project seeks to create a continuing support network for Afghan students adapting to new academic institutions and communities.
- Health & wellbeing
Mind Squad
Shabnam Noorzai •
International relations, California State University, Sacramento
Shabnam Noorzai
International relations, California State University, Sacramento
A peer-led initiative focused on mental health and practical life skills for immigrant and refugee youth. Through workshops, peer-support circles and resource-sharing activities, the project addresses stress and cultural adjustment while helping young people develop skills related to college applications, resume writing, career preparation and future planning.
- Health & wellbeing
Mental Health Buddy
Hadia Haded Mubashir •
MS computer science, University of New Haven
Hadia Haded Mubashir
MS computer science, University of New Haven
A web-based platform designed to make information about anxiety, depression and mental well-being more accessible. The platform includes organized mental health resources and an interactive chatbot, with plans to further develop tools that provide personalized guidance and connect users with mental health professionals.
- Health & wellbeing
HerWell: Afghan Women’s Health Education Circle
Amena Bakhtyar •
Master of Public Health, Binghamton University
Amena Bakhtyar
Master of Public Health, Binghamton University
Provides culturally sensitive health education for Afghan girls and women. Through monthly online sessions, the initiative would address menstrual and reproductive health, hygiene, nutrition and emotional well-being while creating a supportive space for participants to ask questions and access reliable health information.
- Health & wellbeing
Move and Rise
Barin Bahrami •
Accounting, Salve Regina University
Barin Bahrami
Accounting, Salve Regina University
A community-based initiative designed to support people experiencing stress and mental health challenges. Through activities such as nature walks, light running, outdoor stretching and creative practices, the project seeks to promote emotional well-being, social connection and a sense of belonging, particularly among people adjusting to new environments.
- Belonging & storytelling
Resettled and Rising
Shahdukht Tapesh •
Human rights and law
Shahdukht Tapesh
Human rights and law
A podcast centered on the experiences of refugees, immigrants and resettled communities. Through personal stories and conversations, the project explores the challenges, resilience and contributions of people rebuilding their lives after displacement, with the goal of strengthening understanding and community connection.
- Belonging & storytelling
Stories Behind Borders (Clark University)
Mujiburahman Safi •
Business analytics, Clark University
Mujiburahman Safi
Business analytics, Clark University
Focuses on the experiences of Afghan and displaced students. Through interviews, written stories and multimedia content, the project seeks to document experiences of migration, identity, resilience and belonging while creating a space for students to share stories that might otherwise go unheard. The stories will be compiled into a digital collection and potentially shared through campus events.
- Belonging & storytelling
Global Voices Hub
Fariwar Abed •
MBA, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Fariwar Abed
MBA, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Promotes belonging and connection among international and domestic students. Through storytelling circles, cultural events, book clubs and collaborative programs, the initiative is designed to create opportunities for students from different backgrounds to share experiences and build cross-cultural relationships.
- Belonging & storytelling
Stories Behind Borders
Ahmad Pardis Rassuli •
Political science and economics, Bard College
Ahmad Pardis Rassuli
Political science and economics, Bard College
Provides a platform for Afghan and other displaced students to share their experiences of migration and identity. Through interviews, writing sessions and digital or campus-based storytelling, the project aims to amplify newcomer voices, humanize experiences of displacement and strengthen cross-cultural understanding.
- Rights & legal literacy
Empowered Women, Informed Futures
Zuhal Sahibzada •
Master of Laws in international human rights, Northwestern Pritzker School of Law
Zuhal Sahibzada
Master of Laws in international human rights, Northwestern Pritzker School of Law
Focuses on women’s rights and mental well-being. Through workshops, seminars and accessible online resources, the project aims to provide Afghan women with information and guidance to better understand their rights, address cultural barriers and make informed decisions in their families and communities.
- Rights & legal literacy
Bridging the Gender Silence
Maryam Zakare •
MS computer science, University of Tulsa
Maryam Zakare
MS computer science, University of Tulsa
Addresses gaps in gender awareness and seeks to encourage culturally sensitive conversations about gender, identity, the body and emotions. Through workshops, storytelling and creative expression, the initiative aims to reduce stigma and promote empathy, dignity and mutual respect.
- Rights & legal literacy
Bridges of Belonging
Palwasha Amin •
Master of Laws
Palwasha Amin
Master of Laws
A multilingual digital platform designed to help Afghan refugees navigate life in the United States. The platform brings together information on legal rights, immigration, health care, public benefits, education, employment and other resources in English, Dari and Pashto, making essential information easier for newly arrived Afghans to find and understand.
- Rights & legal literacy
Legal Literacy for Empowerment
Asiya Karimi •
Master of Laws, Northwestern Pritzker School of Law
Asiya Karimi
Master of Laws, Northwestern Pritzker School of Law
Seeks to expand Afghan women’s access to legal knowledge through free online workshops and mentorship. Sessions in Dari and Pashto would cover human rights, legal literacy and advocacy skills while connecting Afghan women with law students and legal professionals around the world.
- Digital safety & literacy
CyberSmart Communities
Rabieullah Naseri •
Cybersecurity, University of Tulsa
Rabieullah Naseri
Cybersecurity, University of Tulsa
Focuses on improving digital literacy and cybersecurity awareness among young people and students in Afghanistan. Through interactive workshops, cyberthreat simulations and a social media awareness campaign, the project would teach participants how to recognize phishing attempts, protect personal information, secure social media accounts and practice safer online behavior.
- Digital safety & literacy
Cyber Safety & Digital Empowerment
Fatima Fayazi •
Computer science, University of Kentucky
Fatima Fayazi
Computer science, University of Kentucky
Designed to equip refugee and immigrant students with practical knowledge about cybersecurity, digital safety, personal data protection, financial security and basic artificial intelligence awareness, helping them navigate online spaces more safely and confidently.
- Environment & community
Food Waste Management Through Bokashi Fermentation
Shafiqa Mogul •
QSAP fellow
Shafiqa Mogul
QSAP fellow
A community-based environmental project aimed at reducing the amount of food waste sent to landfills. The initiative introduces Bokashi fermentation as an alternative way to manage food waste and encourages environmentally responsible practices at the community level.
- Environment & community
Clean Future Afghanistan
Maryam Sajid •
Finance, St. Cloud State University
Maryam Sajid
Finance, St. Cloud State University
Focuses on environmental health and waste-management challenges in Afghanistan. Through community workshops, cleanup activities, educational campaigns and youth engagement, the initiative seeks to encourage environmental responsibility and greater community ownership of public spaces.