Help Sohaila Escape the Taliban and Rebuild Her Future in Canada

Two years ago, a brave young girl in Afghanistan named Sohaila was searching desperately for a way to continue her education. After the Taliban took control of her country, girls like her were banned from attending school simply because of their gender.

But Sohaila’s story is even more heartbreaking.

Her father—who served in the Afghan military—was murdered by the Taliban. Her brother, a local musician, became a target too, harassed and stalked just for playing music. Her family went into hiding. And yet, in the face of fear and danger, Sohaila never stopped trying to learn. She found a school in the United States that served international students and reached out for help.

That school happened to be the same one our daughters attended. When they heard her story, they asked if our family could host Sohaila. We met her online and immediately felt called to help. We started readying a room for her.

With financial support from the school, Sohaila—just 17 years old—made the harrowing journey alone from Afghanistan to Pakistan to apply for a U.S. student visa. Tragically, despite multiple attempts, she was repeatedly denied by the U.S. embassy with no clear explanation. She eventually aged out of high school and began to lose hope.

But we never gave up on her. And now, finally, there’s a real path forward.

Thanks to an organization called Right to Learn , Sohaila has the opportunity to gain permanent residency in Canada. But she needs our help to get there. In order for her application to succeed, we must raise $15,000 to cover her first year’s living expenses. Combined with the sponsorship of two generous Canadian citizens, this funding will give her a second chance at life.

For just $15,000, we can help a young woman escape persecution.

We can give her a future where she can finish school, find meaningful work, live safely, and even start a family someday.

This is more than a donation. It's an act of rescue. It's hope. It's life.

Our family is committed to seeing this through—and to welcoming Sohaila to a country where she can finally live in peace. We would be so grateful if you would join us in this mission.

Please consider donating whatever you can. Every dollar brings Sohaila closer to safety, freedom, and the education she’s risked everything to pursue.

Thank you for reading, for sharing, and for caring.

Please note, the picture I've used is not of Sohaila in order to protect her identity and keep her safe. I'm happy to answer any questions!