Afghan students welcomed to University of Regina thanks to revitalized program

A new initiative is helping Afghan refugees fleeing Taliban rule continue their education in Saskatchewan. Mick Favel reports.

The University of Regina has revitalized a program which recently welcomed three new students originally from Afghanistan.

Project Resilience is a donor-funded scholarship program, intended to support students affected by war or political violence so they may continue their studies at the university.

Spogmai Hashemi is a part of the program. She arrived two weeks ago from Qatar with two other students.

Their relocation is linked to abrupt funding cuts from the United States Agency for International Development.

The loss of funding created the possibility of the students being deported back to Afghanistan.

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“It was not easy for all of us. It was long and tiring,” said Hashemi.

“But the end and what we saw here, we have been welcomed by the U of R’s administration and staff. It was really thrilling and we are so happy,” she added.

Afghanistan is currently under control of the Taliban. Women are now only allowed to pursue and education up to Grade 6.

Four years ago, during the Taliban takeover, dozens of Afghan women who were pursuing an education fled the country.

Women Leaders of Tomorrow is a non-profit organization focused on empowering Afghan women and girls. They helped coordinate to bring the students to the U of R.

“This is a great opportunity for the University to really be able to help a group that otherwise wouldn’t be able to pursue an education,” said Marc Butikofer, the executive director of university enhancement at the U of R.

Project Resilience set out a goal of reaching $500,000. They have surpassed the goal, reaching over $815,000.

The funds will go towards student housing, meals and other supports needed by students.

There are already talks of bringing more students in similar situations to the U of R.

Hashemi hopes other women from Afghanistan decide pursue an education.

“Eventually you are going to make your way out,” she said. “You are going to make your dream come true. Don’t give up. Stay resilient and don’t lose hope.”