In November 2025, the University of Regina received a historic cohort of Afghan women scholars. Three students, recently granted visas through the donor‑funded Project Resilience scholarship program, joined the campus community to pursue their academic ambitions in a safe and supportive environment. Their arrival marked a significant moment for the university, the Afghan diaspora, and the broader international education landscape. This article explores the background, impact, and ways you can help sustain this vital initiative.
Why Project Resilience Matters
Education is a powerful tool for change, yet in Taliban‑controlled Afghanistan, girls and women are systematically barred from attending school beyond primary level. The collapse of U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) funding further intensified the crisis, leaving many Afghan students without the support needed to continue their studies abroad. Project Resilience, launched in 2022, was created to fill that gap. By combining international scholarship funds with local university resources, the program delivers a path for Afghan women to obtain a Canadian education while safeguarding their future.
The Journey of Afghan Women to Regina
Overcoming Educational Barriers
The first cohort’s journey began with personal stories of resilience. Nilofar Naderi, a prospective Bachelor of Applied Science candidate, describes her decision to leave home after years of forbidden schooling. She writes, “Now I want to show other Afghan girls that they are capable of doing anything that they want.” Such motivation is the engine that propels Project Resilience forward.
Role of Donors and Partnerships
Without the generosity of donors across Canada, the U.S., and even Italy, the program could not have reached the scale it has today. Within just three months of its launch, fundraising surpassed the initial goal of $500,000, raising over $815,000. Key partners include Women Leaders of Tomorrow (WLOT) in British Columbia, whose executive director, Friba Rezayee, has hands‑on experience guiding refugees to safety. Their collaboration has identified vulnerable students and assisted with complex visa procedures.
The University of Regina’s Commitment to Equity
Campus Support for International Students
The university’s infrastructure extends beyond academic halls. Dedicated staff, welcoming housing options, and a strong community network provide Afghan scholars with a holistic support system. Programs in English as a Second Language (ESL), orientation courses, and counselling services help students adjust quickly and achieve academic success. These resources demonstrate the university’s leadership in creating an inclusive campus culture that respects diversity and promotes equity.
Indigenous and Global Citizenship Values
Located on Treaty 4 and Treaty 6 territories, the University of Regina emphasizes reconciliation and mutual respect with Indigenous populations. This ethos translates into global citizenship by encouraging every student—including the Afghan scholars—to contribute meaningfully to a broader, more harmonious world.
How You Can Support or Engage
Donate to Project Resilience
Donations directly fund scholarships, travel assistance, and on‑campus integration for Afghan women. Contributions also cover language training and academic advising, ensuring students have every opportunity to thrive. If you are able to give, please consider visiting the university’s Project Resilience donation page for more details.
Volunteer or Mentor
Faculty, staff, and alumni have an opportunity to become mentors for the Afghan cohort. A 90‑minute weekly mentorship call can bridge cultural gaps, provide career guidance, and help students navigate Canadian university life. University Advancement also coordinates volunteer efforts such as language translation and welcome assemblies. If you are interested in mentoring, contact [email protected] for more information.
Advocate for Refugee Education Policies
Beyond financial support, you can influence policy by sharing information on social media, writing op‑eds, or contacting local representatives. Highlight how institutions like the University of Regina are creating opportunities for displaced student populations. Every conversation builds a broader understanding of the value, in both human and economic terms, that protected education delivers.
Moving Forward: Future Students
Campus officials anticipate the arrival of three additional Afghan women students currently in visa processing. Their entry in January 2026 will expand the cohort, generate greater visibility for the project, and create peer‑support networks. Throughout the year, the university will also explore adding new scholarship avenues, including partnerships with regional tech firms and research groups.
Conclusion
Project Resilience exemplifies how a university community can act as a sanctuary for vulnerable learners and a catalyst for global progress. The Afghan women scholars arriving at Regina today—supported by generous donors, compassionate faculty, and resilient partnership structures—are not just students; they are living proof that solidarity transcends borders. Learn how you can contribute to Project Resilience today. Offer financial support, volunteer your time, or advocate for inclusive education policies to keep this momentum alive. Share this story with your network to raise awareness and further the cause of educational equity for refugees worldwide.
