Help Reunite A Family From Afghanistan

The Talayee-Sharefee family's journey exemplifies resilience and determination. Originally from Afghanistan, parents, Zamera and Mohammad, have navigated numerous obstacles in their pursuit of education and opportunity for their five children.

Now, all five children are in the US attending high school and college, and the parents have been approved by the US government to enter the country legally on humanitarian grounds. The family will finally be reunited after 6 years apart due to Covid and then the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan.

Here's more background:

Zamera, who grew up without access to education, bravely advocated for her children's schooling, offering to clean Marefat School (Kabul), in exchange for their tuition. After Mohammad sustained a disabling injury while working as a construction laborer, Zamera became the family's primary breadwinner. Despite facing significant financial hardships and numerous challenges, she tirelessly advocated for her children's futures. Motivated by their mother’s efforts, each of the children secured scholarships to attend prestigious boarding schools in China, Japan, and the US, ultimately leading them to universities in the US.

Why this matters?

When the Taliban took over in 2021, the family's world was turned upside down. Zamera had been working as a cook with the US NGO Free to Run, which empowered young women to engage in sports. Her advocacy for education and women's rights made her a target, and her ties to US values placed the family at greater risk, especially given their children's presence in the US, as the Taliban despises America and views those associated with it as traitors. This prompted their escape from Afghanistan to Iran, where they faced severe hardships, including discrimination as well as verbal and physical violence. The family felt relief when Abolfazl managed to leave Iran and eventually reach the US.

Zamera and Mohammad endured many difficulties while waiting in Iran until their humanitarian parole was finally approved a few months ago. With no US embassy in Iran, they traveled to Pakistan, where they encountered additional hardships, but the support of many has sustained them during this waiting period. They are now in the final stages of processing and hope to soon enter the US and relocate to Portland, Maine, to be near their daughter, Adela.

Theirs is a global story of hope over hardship, a story of perseverance, and promise over despair. It is a story about finding and making a new home and still loving your first home. This video made by one of the children tells their story beautifully:

How You Can Help

By supporting this fundraising campaign, you are not only facilitating the reunion of the Talayee - Sharefee family but also investing in a story of hope, perseverance, and resilience. Your contributions will provide essential resources for their transition, empowering Zamera and Mohammad to become contributing members of society and thrive in their new environment.

Additionally, the family would greatly benefit from community support beyond financial contributions. Individuals can assist by connecting them to local resources, accompanying them to appointments, helping with language and cultural orientation, or simply offering guidance as they navigate this significant life change. Every effort counts and can make a meaningful difference in their lives.

How will the money be used?

This fundraising and support initiative seeks to address the challenges faced in reuniting the Talayee - Sharefee family in the most sustainable way possible. After nearly a three-year wait, Zamera and Mohammad's humanitarian parole to the US has been approved, enabling them to travel from Islamabad, Pakistan, to the US. The funds raised will support:

Together, we can help this family overcome obstacles and build a brighter future. Your support will profoundly impact their lives during this critical time.