On August 22 and 23, students from the American University of Afghanistan, American University of Central Asia, American University of Beirut, Al Akhawayn University, Bard College Annandale, Bard College Berlin, and Central European University came together to connect with fellow Afghan students from across the world. The conference, held at the American University of Central Asia, was a time for students to discuss the ongoing challenges and find resources to support their ideas through creative problem-solving and peer support.

 About 250+ Afghan students from the mentioned institutions gathered in a hybrid format, and 12 students presented their civic engagement projects that they are implementing to support students on their campuses or across the network, including those who remain in Afghanistan.

The Afghan Students Conference turned into a platform for students to coordinate cross-network activities to promote cooperation and ongoing connections.

Amina Arif is a part of the STM Division and teaches Biology at the American University of Afghanistan. With a passion for science, Amina specializes in Bioinformatics. Before joining AUAF, Amina worked in several private and international high schools and taught the Cambridge curriculum of Biology and Chemistry. Amina Arif has organized science and IT events at AUAF involving creative projects from Afghan students. Amina applauds the great potential and interest that AUAF students possess. She praises the efforts of AUAF for providing quality education and is pleased to have such an institute in the country that believes and delivers a standard education to the people of Afghanistan. She said “with a pleasant working environment, an excellent working team and a great support from division, I am incredibly optimistic about AUAF’s growth and my own growth here.”

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