Afghan family with friends in Burlington

Ahmad* and Nazia* are from the rural province of northeastern part of Afghanistan, and are the proud parents of three girls and three boys ranging in age from 1-14 years.

Ahmad and Nazia were active members of their community – and worked with international NGOs for women's education and betterment. They raised awareness regarding basic health and encouraged women to go to health centers for vaccinations as well as social activities. They fought for women's rights. Toward that end, they led the society, engaged international players, and worked at a high level with the US and Afghan governments.

In 2009, Ahmad and Nazia established and taught at the Girls School that taught girls up to grade 12. This school has seen over 400 girls graduate and go on to college.

On August 15, 2021, the Taliban closed the Girls School, and Ahmad, and Nazia escaped to Kabul, where they live in hiding situation. They do not dare to share their address –even with close with close friends and relatives -- because their lives are at risk.

Because Ahmad assisted the U.S Government in Afghanistan, and are vulnerable, he and his family have Special Immigrant Visas (SIV’s). Like all people with refugee status in the U.S., SIV holders are authorized to work and will have social security numbers as part of their refugee status.

The Chittenden County Welcoming Committee is working to partner with another Welcome Corps group, so that Ahmad and Nazia's family can start new lives here in the relative safety of the U.S.

*The photo has been edited and the names have been changed for security reasons.