Hi John,

I want to share a story with you that perfectly captures what long-term, thoughtful investment in refugees can truly achieve. Last December, Negara Nazari, stood on stage not only as a refugee, but as a builder of futures. She was awarded the UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award for Asia-Pacific, one of the organization’s most prestigious recognitions, honoring her extraordinary work in supporting and protecting refugees.

Negara arrived in Tajikistan in 2012 as a child refugee from Kabul, Afghanistan. Her family had faced the worst of circumstances after being forced to flee their home and separated from their loved ones.

Accessing education as a refugee can be extremely difficult. For Negara, that changed when she was awarded one of UNHCR’s DAFI Scholarships, an opportunity like no other. Covering a range of costs, including tuition, transportation, accommodation, study materials, and other expenses for talented refugees, DAFI Scholarships also provide tailored support to help students succeed in their studies and build a future beyond graduation.

But Negara didn’t stop there.

After graduating, she married, and together, she and her husband founded the Ariana Learning Center. What began as a small initiative is now a school serving more than 1,200 children; Afghan refugees and local Tajik students learning side by side. 

This is the lasting power of education. It doesn’t just help one person. It creates leaders, builds institutions, and helps communities flourish.

Learn more about Negara and her mission here.

In a world where displacement is lasting longer, we need solutions that go beyond short-term aid. Education is one of the few investments that keeps giving, multiplying its impact, year after year.

Your support today can help the next refugee girl access education, build her future, and create opportunities for others.  

Thank you for believing in impact that lasts.

Best regards,

Monia Hassan
International Supporter Care
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency