PLACE OF ORIGIN: AFGHANISTAN
CURRENTLY LIVES: TEXAS
MEET WAKDAR.
Wakdar is a teenager whose family came to the U.S. during the Afghan evacuation in 2021. For years, Wakdar’s father bravely partnered with U.S. forces, assisting their efforts in Afghanistan. This service ultimately made the family targets as the situation in their country unraveled. As the world watched in shock as the evacuation played out, Wakdar’s family was one of the thousands forced to flee their homes – leaving in the middle of the night, with only a few minutes notice.
With a new start ahead of him, Wakdar shares the dreams of many of the teenagers you may know in your own life: earning his driver’s license and going to college. Drawing on his past experiences, he hopes to one day be able to make a difference in international law.
More members are needed for this tribe in order to raise $169 per month for 6 months for his jiu-jitsu training.
JOIN THE TRIBE
Over the past few months, Wakdar has begun jiu-jitsu training. Many of us have experienced the positive impacts of sports in our own lives – and in the lives of young men who have walked through trauma, these types of physical activities are vital. Jiu-jitsu provides Wakdar with a way to integrate into his new culture, and serves as a vessel to restore dignity after violence and unrest has stripped so much away. On the jiu-jitsu mat, no one knows Wakdar is a refugee – he is treated like the doctors, entrepreneurs, mechanics, teachers and other young men he trains with each session.
Oftentimes, the young refugee men are passed over as women and children (who are viewed as the most vulnerable) are the first to get assistance. Our desire is to show Wakdar that his story matters, and he has not been forgotten. We are forming a Hope Tribe around Wakdar to raise $169 a month to cover his gym fees and uniform. Join this Hope Tribe by giving a donation and praying for Wakdar and his family. 100% of your donation will benefit his family directly. When you join, you’ll be added to a private group to receive insider updates, have opportunities to get to know Wakdar further, and learn how you can specifically advocate.
If you aren’t ready to give you can also join an email newsletter to learn more about how you can advocate and assist in other ways.
HOW IT WORKS
[1] Join the tribe
Click the button above to join.
[2] Get regular updates
We’ll add you to the refugee’s private group.
[3] Celebrate the wins
Inspire hope and participate in life changing work.