Introducing Afghan Scouts Durham

Tabby & Fifi greeted by their then-10th grade class at the Emerson Waldorf School in Chapel Hill NC

Before we introduce you to our organization and how we came to be, imagine something almost unthinkable: That you or your child was attending school one day and the next day you were being hunted by your own government. Imagine that your involvement in Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts suddenly put your life at risk. That's exactly what happened to scouts, especially female scouts, in Afghanistan.

Afghan Scouts Durham (ASD) is a charitable foundation established in 2024 with a noble purpose: to support female Afghan scouts and scout leaders who were targeted by the Taliban as "westernized women." Our organization provides comprehensive support to these brave young women, helping them advance their education and create futures free from fear and oppression.

Mission, Vision, and Goals

Mission

ASD's mission is to provide financial, legal, medical, and social support for Afghan Scouts in the United States from their arrival through high school and college, until they achieve financial self-sufficiency.

Vision

Our vision is to offer stabilizing support, fill educational gaps, and prepare these girls for advanced education and self-sustaining careers. We hope that someday, these young women will return as leaders to a free Afghanistan.

Goals

ASD's goals encompass a wide range of support services:

1. Acclimating the girls to American culture

2. Teaching financial and social skills for self-sufficiency

3. Organizing and funding education and tutoring

4. Arranging mental health support to overcome past trauma

5. Meeting all medical, dental, and health-related needs

6. Assisting with college applications and scholarships

Studies have shown that the annual cost of caring for a child in similar circumstances ranges from $24,200 to $31,500 per year during high school. College costs are highly dependent on aid, but - as foreign students - the girls are not eligible to attend most community colleges, receive in-state tuition, federal financial aid, or receive private loans. They will rely on the generosity of donors and on scholarships.

The Birth of Afghan Scouts Durham

The story of ASD begins well before the fall of the Afghan government in 2021.

PARSA, a US-based NGO supported by Boy Scouts of America and The Scout Association of the UK, had re-established Afghan Scouting. By 2021, there were 11,000 active scouts and 600 volunteer scout leaders across Afghanistan.

When the Taliban regained control, they immediately targeted female leaders and prominent female scouts. The Taliban associated scout uniforms with the old government, presuming a direct connection between these children and the former military. Female scout leaders and youth participants were at increased risk. They were branded as "too westernized," with some disappearing or being sent to "Islamic reeducation camps." These scouts are the only known examples of systematic government persecution based solely on their association with scouting.

In response to this crisis, the Afghan Scout Relief Fund (ASRF) was launched by a New Mexico-based scout leader who had worked with PARSA scout troops in Afghanistan. ASRF's mission focused on moving scouts out of immediate danger in Afghanistan. To date, ASRF has assisted more than 20 scout leaders, their families, and individual scouts in their attempts resettle in the United States, Canada, and to countries in the European Union. However, their support for girls once they arrived in the USA was limited. Unfortunately, because of overwhelming need and limited resources, ASRF is not able to provide continued support for resettled scouts. Creating a safe and secure path forward is up to each girl and the communities that support them.

Recognizing the need for more comprehensive, long-term assistance, sponsor families in Durham North Carolina partnered with Saint Lawrence's Treasure, a local charity, to begin fundraising for two Afghan girls in their care. This initiative grew into Afghan Scouts Durham, expanding to support additional girls and provide a wide range of services.

As ASD came to understand the full scope of the girls' needs, including intensive tutoring, extensive dental work, medical care, and mental healthcare, the organization's efforts expanded significantly. This led to the creation of ASD's own 501(c)(3) and the recruitment of many dedicated individuals to support this vital mission.

Join Us in Making a Difference

Your support is crucial in empowering these resilient young women. Here's how you can make a difference:

1. Volunteer: As an all-volunteer effort, we welcome individuals who can offer their time and skills. Whether you're a tutor, mentor, or have other valuable expertise, your involvement can significantly impact these girls' lives.

2. Donate: We urgently need recurring donations of $20-$50 per month to provide consistent academic and mental health support. These regular contributions are incredibly valuable in helping us meet the girls' educational and mental health needs. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us achieve our mission. Donate Now. Donors receive handwritten thank you notes and ASD decals; recurring donors making $50 monthly donations or more also receive an ASD challenge coin as a special reminder of your connection to this special effort.

3. Spread the Word: Share our story with your network. The more people know about our cause, the greater our impact can be.

By supporting Afghan Scouts Durham, you're not just changing lives; you're investing in a future where these young women can become leaders and catalysts for positive change in their communities and beyond. Join us in this vital mission. Together, we can provide these brave Afghan girls with the tools, support, and opportunities they need to build brighter futures.

Your involvement, whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading awareness, is deeply appreciated and will make a lasting difference. Let's empower these young women and pave the way for a more hopeful tomorrow.