Hi. I'm Beth Dhuey, a professor of economics at the University of Toronto. (This is me: https://elizabethdhuey.com/) I'm leading a group of five (G5) to sponsor a refugee family from abroad to come to Canada. A generous donor from Australia (listen to her amazing story here ) has provided the majority of funds for Ahmad and his family. Still, I'm fundraising to raise the last $10,000 CAD needed to sponsor them to immigrate to Canada. The family will use the funds when they arrive in Canada for their first year. This sponsorship is being supported by Northern Lights Canada, a non-profit that facilitates refugee sponsorship.

Let me tell you about Ahmad and his family.

Ahmad is a journalist and civil activist who fled Afghanistan with his wife, Ms. Ameni, and their young daughter to escape persecution and threats from the Taliban and Ms. Ameni's family.

Background and Early Life

Ahmad was born in Afghanistan. He completed high school and later pursued a degree in International Relations in Kabul. During his studies, he worked as the Director of Student Affairs and later as a Project Manager. He also worked as a journalist for a news agency.

Ahmad met Ms. Amini in 2020. Despite their love, Ms. Ameni's family opposed their relationship due to ethnic and religious differences, forcing Ms. Ameni into an abusive engagement. Ms. Ameni escaped but was abducted and mistreated. After managing to contact Ahmad, she was rescued, but they faced continuous threats from her family and the Taliban.

Persecution and Escape

Due to their relationship, Ahmad and Ms. Ameni faced severe threats. Ms. Ameni’s family reported them to the Taliban, forcing them to flee to various locations within Afghanistan. Unable to safely remain in their home country, they eventually crossed into Iran, and after a failed attempt to enter Turkey, they finally reached Pakistan. Despite registering with the UNHCR, the couple faced further persecution due to their relationship and lack of legal marriage documentation, complicating the birth of their daughter in Pakistan.

Current Situation in Indonesia

They managed to escape to Indonesia in April 2024 and have lived there as asylum seekers since then.

Their Hopes

Ahmad and Ms. Ameni aspire to provide their daughter with a safe, stable, and nurturing environment. Ahmad wishes to continue his work in education and journalism, contributing positively to society.

Please help me help them!