Hi, I’m Shenalyn. My husband and I live in the Sacramento area, and over the past few years we’ve been privileged to support a number of Afghan refugee families. Several have become close friends of ours

Through them, we met a young Afghan woman with a great desire to gain an education. We have personally been working with her for almost two years. I cannot share her name or identity here as the Afghan government does not allow women to travel abroad if they know they are seeking an education. So I will call her Jane.

This is her story:

Jane received a B.A. in Economics and Finance from Kabul University. She has years of experience in finance, administration, and human resources. Now, even though she speaks multiple languages and is well educated, she (Iike all Afghan women) isn’t allowed to work.

Jane has fought tirelessly for an opportunity to continue her education. Her MBA studies were interrupted when Afghanistan’s government collapsed in 2021. She later earned admission to continue her MBA in the United States through a scholarship, but once again, policy changes took that opportunity away. Amazingly, Jane refused to give up.

Over the past year, she’s spent long nights taking online courses and building her skills. Its paid off—she was accepted into a fully funded Accounting program in Québec, Canada through an excellence scholarship.

But she has to get a visa and travel to Canada.

This is where you can help.

Studying in Canada could completely change her future and open the door for her to use her skills to bless others.

The problem is getting there.

Because of current restrictions, Jane can’t apply for her visa from Afghanistan. She has to travel to another country like Turkey or the UAE, pay for housing while she waits, and cover visa costs. She’s also required to travel with a male guardian, which adds even more expense.

Her scholarship covers school and living costs in Canada—but not these upfront steps. And right now, she simply doesn’t have the means to make it happen.

We’re trying to raise $5,000 by May 15 to cover these travel, visa, and lodging costs. We’ve already raised $1,000 from our own funds and through a few caring friends. Praise God!

But she needs more money quickly. If we cannot raise the full amount in time, she may have to give up her spot.

That’s why we’re asking for help.

Would you be willing to give to help Jane start a new life? And share her need with others?