Send M from Afghanistan to Germany

Dear Friends and Family,

In the Summer of 2015, M, a teenager from Kabul, Afghanistan was a camper at Seeds of Peace Camp in Maine, which brings together teenagers from across the world. That summer, Matthew worked as a counselor there. We connected over playing softball, and other fun times at camp.

We're using M's first initial instead of her name in order to protect her identity.

Until 2021, M was attending an Afghan university studying Business Administration, had worked in many career development programs and had a bright future ahead of her. However, in August 2021, when the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, her life completely changed overnight. After the Taliban’s return to power, there was severe violence against women and the broader Afghan population. The Taliban closed schools and universities for female students and banned them from work and education in the community. As a result, M had no opportunity to continue her education and career opportunities.

For the past 2 years, we have been working together to help M find ways to leave Afghanistan. We sent applications for humanitarian parole to be admitted to the U.S., but the acceptance rate of these applications has been surprisingly low, and she has pursued other options.

That’s why we’re asking for your support now. M got accepted to a 1-year college prep program at Cologne Business School in Cologne, Germany, and is preparing for her visa interview at a German Embassy. This program will enable her to have a viable long-term path to leave Afghanistan and pursue a 4-year degree in Germany.

The money raised in this fundraiser will be used for the following purposes:

• 11,208 Euros/ 12,036 USD: German “Block Account” with 11,208 EUR as a requirement for approval for a German Visa. This money is placed in an escrow account, and she will withdraw monthly increments as her living expenses throughout her time in Germany for the first year.

• 559 Euros / 600 USD (approximate): Flight to Frankfurt

• 5,000 Euros / 5,356 USD: 1 year of room and board at the dormitory in Cologne

• 500 Euros / 535 USD: Student health insurance for 1 year.

Finally, M’s story resonates with Matthew because it echoes his own family’s journey to flee Nazi persecution. We hope that some element of M’s life resonates with you. Whether it’s to flee gender-based or religious persecution, pursue educational opportunities, or the myriad of other reasons, we’re hoping you’ll join us in supporting M in the next phase of her life.

Thanks,

M and Matthew