By Nora I grew up in Afghanistan living a life that felt steady and meaningful. I was involved in the Scouts, where I became a leader and worked with children between the ages of seven and ten. Teaching them gave me a sense of purpose. I liked being someone they trusted. I liked having responsibility and knowing that what I did mattered, even in small ways. I spent my days with my family. We ate together, talked, and visited relatives. I miss all of these things now, being so

Kate’s story is one of courage, loss, and an unshakable commitment to helping others. In Afghanistan, she was once a leading voice in the Afghan National Choir, using music to express hope, identity, and freedom. Singing was not just an art for Kate— it was a way of being seen and heard in a country where women’s voices were too often silenced. When the Taliban returned to power, that voice became dangerous. What once brought her joy put her life at risk. Kate was forced to f

Tabasum's journey to college, like all of our scouts, has been different than most. Learn more about how you can help. Donations help keep these scout's dreams alive.

Scouting has always represented community, leadership, and the spirit of doing one’s best. In Afghanistan, Scouting did not involve earning ranks or badges and more on service and teamwork . Scouts there weren’t climbing ranks; they were learning practical skills, helping in their communities, and embodying the Scout promise in everyday life. By contrast, in the United States, Scouting is more structured, with seven distinct ranks  leading up to the prestigious Eagle Scout .

By Fifi I’m on the verge of making history. In just a few months, I’m set to become the first Afghan Eagle Scout in the history of Scouting. But for me, this journey isn’t only about earning the highest rank. It’s about telling a story the world barely knows exists: the story of girls’ Scouting in Afghanistan. For my Eagle Scout project, I’m creating a published journal that captures the voices, memories, and experiences of Afghan girls who once wore the Scout uniform — befor

For many people in the United States, the idea of seeking asylum is something read about in headlines or discussed in political debates....

Before I came here, I had never heard of a Maypole or the Festival of Courage. The day of the Maypole celebration, we started by making...

By Fifi Right now, I’m finishing my Eagle Scout project — a project that will help me become the first Afghan Eagle Scout in history. It...

By Tabby Me in a Lab Coat! I attended a pre-college summer program at Stony Brook University , and it was such an insightful learning...

Coming from Afghanistan, my school experience was very different. Our classrooms were packed—usually with about 50 students each. Across...

Fifi and Tabby were born into a world of possibility. They grew up believing in the power of education, in their own potential, and in a...

Energy in the community center buzzes a little brighter when Troop 39 gathers for their weekly Scout meeting. Fifi and Tabby, along with...

By Tabby Eid has always been about connection. In Afghanistan, it meant waking up early, putting on our best clothes, and preparing to...

By Tabby Ramadan has always been more than just a holy month for me. Back in Afghanistan, it was a season of togetherness—a time when...

Hi! I’m Tabby - the student founder of Afghan Scouts Durham. As we introduce you to our organization, I thought I would take a minute to...

For Fifi and Tabby, education was never just about personal success—it was about possibility, progress, and creating opportunities for...

Tabby & Fifi greeted by their then-10th grade class at the Emerson Waldorf School in Chapel Hill NC Before we introduce you to our...