Stories of Change

Discover the journeys of those AFF has supported in building a brighter future.

May 2026

Former captain of Afghan Girls Robotics Team graduates as QSAP scholar with top honors

Somaya Faruqi’s journey began in Herat, Afghanistan, where she developed an early interest in engineering by working alongside her father in his old mechanical shop in the neighborhood.  Surrounded by tools and machines, she was introduced to the basics of building and problem-solving at a young age. By the age of 14, she had joined the Afghan Girls Robotics Team, and by 17, she became the captain, leading the team in international competitions and global innovation challenges.
April 2026

From Kabul classroom to managing multimillion-dollar budgets at a U.S. University

Abed Ebady still remembers studying in Kabul, Afghanistan, as if it were yesterday, trying to understand how systems work and how they fail. Today, he works inside one, helping manage multimillion-dollar budgets at the College of Humanities & Social Science (CHSS) of George Mason University.  That shift from a student navigating uncertainty to a professional shaping institutional decisions defines his journey.

Real Change, Real People

Meet the people behind the mission. These stories highlight how AFF programs have helped Afghans around the world reclaim their futures

“Before coming to the Enabled Children School, my daughter Zainab was isolated, quiet, and emotionally withdrawn. After losing her father, I raised her alone and constantly worried about her future. But over time, this ECI school has changed our lives. Zainab has grown emotionally, socially, and behaviorally. To me, the ECI school has been more than just a school — it has
taken on the role of a father in raising my daughter.”

– Fatima, 48

Kabul, Afghanistan
Mother of a child with a disability

“QSAP gave me the opportunity to pursue my Master’s at James Madison University. Studying
at JMU helped me grow tremendously as a person. While the experience came with its
challenges, it eventually felt like a second home. I’m truly grateful for the friendships I built and
the incredible support I received from the JMU community.”

– Huda Attaey

QSAP alumna

Individuals  directly reached across all core programs
5800 +
Afghan refugees  resettled through AFF-supported education and career pathways
40 +
Global partnerships established with universities and nonprofits worldwide
50 +

What People Say
About Us

Hear directly from those who’ve lived the journey—students, entrepreneurs, volunteers, 
and global partners share 
their experience with AFF

Featured In

Our work has been recognized by global media and academic publications. 
These features amplify Afghan voices and showcase what’s possible with support