However, the political instability of 2021 forced him to leave his homeland, becoming a refugee in Kurdistan at the American University of Iraq. Despite the challenges of being alone in a foreign land, Amjad found a silver lining. “It felt like being born again, in a strange world. But it was here that I learned how to survive, how to be responsible, how to adapt. It was like an accelerated course in life's realities."

Amjad's life took a significant turn when he got the chance to be part of a unique scholarship initiative for Afghan refugee students. This was the result of a unique partnership between Education Above All (EAA), the Institute of International Education (IIE), Afghan Future Fund, Yalda Hakim Foundation, Schmidt Futures, and Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors who launched the Qatar Scholarship for Afghans Project (QSAP).

QSAP students are Afghan refugees who in 2021 suddenly found themselves unable to continue their education at home. They were evacuated to various places of refuge, but through QSAP, they have the opportunity to continue their studies on full scholarships. More than 40 U.S. colleges and universities in the USA, including Rutgers University, Bard College, and the University of Texas at Austin, among others, are welcoming QSAP students for degree programmes in the arts, business, sciences, humanities, and the social sciences.

The scholarship is particularly powerful considering its humanitarian ambitions and scale of impact. Two hundred and fifty Afghan students, split equally among women and men, are being welcomed to U.S. institutions to continue their education, grow their network, and explore new opportunities. This is just the beginning, and the project aims to welcome additional students in future academic terms.
 

“The day I received the scholarship news, it was a rollercoaster of emotions. My family and friends were overjoyed, and so was I. But what made it more significant was the fact that I wasn't going to the US as a refugee, but as a scholar.”

Now, thousands of miles away from home, Amjad continues his journey at an American university, pursuing a Master’s in Business Administration. Despite the physical distance, his dreams are still deeply rooted in his homeland. “EAA and its partners saw a future in me without even knowing me. They gave me a chance. And now, it's my turn to pay it forward."

Amjad dreams of making a difference. Whether through establishing a nonprofit organisation or leveraging his own earnings, he is committed to bringing positive change into the lives of others, just as others have done for him.

From Kabul to Kurdistan and now America, Amjad has turned the tides of adversity into waves of opportunity. His journey is a testament to his indomitable spirit, his quest for knowledge, and his unwavering commitment to his roots. This is just the beginning for Amjad, and he is ready for the exciting challenges that lie ahead.

“I've realised life can change dramatically in a moment. But no matter where I am or what I do, my mission remains the same - to help others, just like others have helped me. I may have left my homeland, but my commitment to my people hasn't left me."

About the Qatar Scholarship for Afghans Project (QSAP):

The Qatar Scholarship for Afghans Project (QSAP) gives Afghanistan refugee students the opportunity to continue their education at colleges and universities outside of Afghanistan, in partnership with multiple higher educational institutions. The initial project cohort includes 250 students attending over 40 different institutions across the United States on full scholarships. The project is supported by Education Above All Foundation (EAA), Institute of International Education (IIE), the Yalda Hakim Foundation (YHF), the Afghan Future Fund (AFF), Schmidt Futures, and Qatar Fund For Development (QFFD).