On Thursday, July 28th, Representative Lois Frankel (FL-21) and Representative Michael Waltz (FL-06) participated in a Congressional panel to express their continued support for the American University of Afghanistan (AUAF) and update members of Congress on the progress AUAF has made since the U.S. drawdown in August 2021. AUAF President Ian Bickford, FAUAF Founder and Chairman Leslie Schweitzer and three remarkable AUAF alumni joined them in sharing why Afghanistan desperately needs the American University of Afghanistan to continue and grow. The alumni detailed how AUAF has impacted their own journeys and in turn how they now inspire Afghan families, friends, and community members in Afghanistan to pursue an education. The panel and audience explored AUAF’s far-reaching impact and untapped potential.
As we approach the one-year anniversary of the fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban, we look to our students and alumni for hope. Our students risk everything for an AUAF education. They know their future and the future of Afghanistan depends on it. AUAF remains a beacon of hope for Afghans, especially women, who are desperate to continue their education at a world-class institution. The renewed urgency for this kind of education is why AUAF no longer requires students to pay tuition fees. Our mission remains strong to meet the growing challenges and needs of Afghanistan. Support for our enduring mission is just as important now, if not more so, than it was a year ago
