The University of Regina is revitalizing its Project Resilience scholarship funding program and stepping forward as a place of refuge, learning, and opportunity to help ensure that Afghan women students can remain safe and stable while pursuing their studies. Amid ongoing conflict and the recent collapse of international scholarship support, Afghan women students studying abroad are facing the threat of forced return to Afghanistan where their safety and right to education are severely compromised.
"The University of Regina is a welcoming, inclusive institution that values the academic skills and ambitions of high-achieving students in our global community," says Dr. Jeff Keshen, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Regina. "Together with Women Leaders of Tomorrow, we are partnering to establish scholarships and provide emergency funds, housing, and other supports for these students whose education hangs in limbo."
Established in 2022, Project Resilience supports students affected by war, or other forms of political violence, in their home countries so they may safely continue their studies at the U of R. The U of R's goal is to quickly raise $500,000 to bring Afghan women students to the University to continue their studies and fulfill their academic journeys.
"Education is more than just education," says Spogmai, an Afghan graduate student, who cannot use her full name for fear of retribution to herself and her family still living in Afghanistan. "I am going to university for my entire nation, for each and every woman in Afghanistan who has no means to speak for herself. Education is my right, and I want to be the voice for those who don't have it."
For hundreds of Afghan women, pursuing an education past Grade 6 in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan is forbidden.
"Education is the key to fighting the gender apartheid imposed on Afghan women by the Taliban Regime," says Friba Rezayee, who is an Afghan-Canadian, former Afghan Olympian, and Executive Director of Women Leader of Tomorrow (WLOT). "When the Afghan central government collapsed, so did our rights, democracy, and human rights. Now, education is about to collapse. An entire generation of bright, talented, and educated Afghan women will be wasted if we don't act now."
WLOT is a Canadian non-profit based in British Columbia that is coordinating efforts to place Afghan women students in post-secondary institutions across Canada.
In addition, students who receive Project Resilience scholarships will be provided with University supports and services to ensure their overall health and well-being, including: Counselling Services; Student Wellness Centre services; Mental Health Hub resources; Academic Counselling; and UR International supports.
The U of R's University Philanthropy unit is now accepting donations to Project Resilience. For more information or to donate to the scholarship visit https://www.uregina.ca/alumni-and-friends/giving/community/project-resilience.html
