The Afghan Entrepreneurship Grant is open to Afghans across the United States, with the requirement that they relocate to Greater St. Louis to launch their businesses. This unique opportunity positions thecityasagrowinghubforAfghan innovation and community building.
One of the oldest and most famous resources of Badakhshan is lapis lazuli. This beautiful blue stone has been mined in the Sare-Sang mines for more than 6,000 years In ancient times, it was the main source of lapis for kings, artists, and jewelers around the world
Everything began to change when I learned about the Afghan Support Program It offers relocation assistance to Afghan refugees, helping families like mine move to the greater St. Louis area where living is more affordable, support systems are in place, opportunities forrebuildinglivesarereal.
One of his greatest contributions has been the study of traditional Afghanistan folk music. Wahid has traveled to provinces such as Badakhshan, Herat, and Nangarhar. His goal has been to record the music, instruments, and styles of different regions beforetheydisappear.
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O U R N A
3. The Afghan Chamber of Commerce in St. Louis Elects New Board Members
4. Leadership of Afghan Chamber of Commerce in St. Louis
5. Celebration of Success: Sewing Class Graduation and Entrepreneurship Grants
6. Stability and Opportunity in St. Louis: The Main Reason Behind Haidar Ali Akbari’s Relocation
7. Keeping Traditions Alive: Wahid Qasemi’s Legacy in Afghanistan Music
8. Tower Grove Park: A Gift for St. Louis
9. Badakhshan: The Land of the Roof of the World is located
10. Meet Sajjad Arab, an Artist in St. Louis
11. The Afghan Community and Its Bright Future at the Festival of Nations 12. Advertisement
AFGHAN SUPPORT PROGRAM
Welcome to The Afghan Journal, a publication of the Afghan Support Program at the International Institute of St. Louis.
The Afghan Journal is a monthly publication rooted in the heart of St Louis, Missouri, and created as part of the Afghan Support Program at the International Institute of St Louis This journal was established to serve as a trusted platform for stories, voices, and experiences that reflect the Afghan journey past, present, and future. In every issue, we aim to capture the resilience, culture, and dreams of Afghans as they build new lives while staying connected to their heritage.
The Afghan Support Program is dedicated to helping Afghans thrive in their new home. Through access to housing support, job placement services, small business grants, legal guidance, healthcare enrollment, and more, the program offers critical resources to support families during resettlement and beyond. It also focuses on preserving culture and community through educational classes in Pashto, Dari, and Quran studies for children, as well as sewing and vocational opportunities for women. Soccer teams, driving classes, and support with school enrollment are just a few of the ways the program strengthens everyday life.
Importantly, this initiative has also supported the development of key institutions such as the Afghan Community Center and the U S -Afghan Chamber of Commerce spaces where Afghan identity, enterprise, and unity are nurtured Thanks to the collective effort of the Afghan community itself, St. Louis is now home to Masjid Abu Bakr Sediq a proud symbol of faith and self-determination.
The Afghan Journal is published in English, Pashto, and Dari, in print and online. It exists to empower, inform, and inspire. This is your voice, your reflection, and your community. Sign up to receive future issues by scanning the QR code or visiting AfghanCenter.org.
“Together, we are not just rebuilding lives we are building a thriving community, rooted in dignity, culture, and collective strength.” Hamdullah Hamdard, Director of Afghan Support Program
TheAfghan ChamberofCommerce in St. Louis Elects New Board Members
The Afghan Chamber of Commerce in St Louis reached a new milestone on August 28, 2025, when it held an important board meeting at the Afghan Community Center to elect its new leadership team. The event was marked by strong community participation, with more than 20 people many of them previous leaders and active members of the community coming together to shape the future of the Chamber.
The primary purpose of this gathering was to breathe new life into the Afghan Chamber of Commerce in St. Louis by electing a fresh group of leaders who could guide the organization into its next chapter. Participants emphasized that while the previous board members had made valuable contributions, the time had come to strengthen the Chamber with new energy, new ideas, and new strategies
During the meeting, attendees agreed to elect seven official board positions. These included President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Membership Director, Communication Director, and Program & Event Director. By opening these spots to community members, the Chamber ensured that its leadership structure would be transparent, inclusive, and representative of the Afghan community across the St. Louis metropolitan area.
To ensure fairness, each candidate interested in a leadership role was invited to introduce themselves and share details about their educational background, work experience, and the skills they could bring to the Chamber One by one, candidates highlighted their qualifications and their vision for the Chamber’s future.
After the presentations, participants had the chance to cast their votes When the votes were counted, the results reflected both continuity and progress. Mr. Haroon Safi was elected as the new President of the Afghan Chamber of Commerce in St. Louis. Two women were also elected to leadership roles: one as Vice President and another as Program & Event Director, marking an important step toward gender inclusion in leadership.
The newly elected board now carries the responsibility of leading the Chamber through its “survival year.” This will involve not only organizing programs and events but also developing strategies to position the Chamber as a valuable resource for Afghan community, entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals in St Louis
Participants expressed strong support for the new leadership, pledging to contribute their skills, time, and resources to ensure that the Chamber not only survives but thrives. The collective message from the gathering was clear: the Afghan Chamber of Commerce has an important role to play in empowering the Afghan community and connecting it with broader opportunities in the St. Louis region.
As the Afghan community continues to grow and contribute to the economic and cultural fabric of St. Louis, the Chamber’s role will be more vital than ever The organization now looks forward to hosting events, building partnerships, and empowering Afghan entrepreneurs to not only succeed individually but also uplift the community as a whole.
HaroonSafi,President
Haroon Safi, the second President of the Afghan Chamber of Commerce in St. Louis, is also the Coordinator of the SASIC Program at Monarch Immigrant Services. SASIC (Services to Afghan Survivors Impacted by Combat) supports Afghan evacuees with mental health, case management, and wrap-around services Born in Kunar, Afghanistan, Haroon fled the civil war with his family, lived in Pakistan, and later came to the US on a Special Immigrant Visa. He studied Political Science and is known for his kindness and honesty. Haroon actively helps Afghan families, serves on the Afghan mosque board, and works with community and research projectsinSt.Louis.
FatanaAndar,VicePresident
Iampursuingamaster’sinfinanceandaccountingat
Webster University in St Louis I hold a business administration degree from the American University of Afghanistan and taught accounting at the International University of Ala-Too. I currently work at CherokeeFederalandJetAviationandaimtosupport andstrengthenmycommunity.
HamdullahHamdard,CommunicationDirector
Hamdullah Hamdard is the founder of Owlsion PicturesandleadstheAfghanSupportProgramatthe InternationalInstituteofSt.Louis.
A journalism graduate from Mashal UniversityinKabul,hehasextensivemedia experience in Afghanistan and United States brings creativity, innovation, and dedicationtoallhiswork.
FahimeMohammad,Secretary
FahimeMohammadleftAfghanistanin1991 seeking a better life in the United States. Today,heco-ownsapopularrestauranton ManchesterAvenuewithhisbrother.After arriving in the U.S., Fahime worked in a varietyofroles,includingatalocalcountry clubandinITatEdwardJones.Hisfamily’s home-cooked meals consistently impressed colleagues, inspiring him to pursueacareerasarestaurateur.
Sodaba Barnayar, Program & Event Director
IleftAfghanistanforIndiaandlatermoved to the U.S., starting over both times. In India, I worked and studied while helping my family and serving as a youth leader. Now in St. Louis, I work as a peer support specialist, study dentistry, and create a brand blending Afghan tradition with modern design I help Afghan women and youthbuildindependent,stablelives.
Gul Mohammad Totakhil, Membership Director,
Gul Mohammad Totakhil was recognized as one of three St Louis City residents honoredatthe2024CityofSt LouisAsian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Celebration. Born in Paktia Province,Afghanistan,helefthomeatage 17insearchofbetteropportunities.Today, heisasuccessfulentrepreneurinSt.Louis, managing five Subway stores. He also made history as the first President of the U.S.-Afghan Chamber of Commerce in St. Louis.
Celebration of Success: Sewing Class Graduation and Entrepreneurship Grants Celebration of Success: Sewing
ClassGraduation and Entrepreneurship
Grants
On September 26, the International Institute of St. Louis proudly hosted a special celebration at the Hall of Nations, highlighting the achievements of the Afghan community. The event combined two important milestones: the graduation of participants from the Afghan Women’s Sewing Class and the announcement of the winners of the Afghan Entrepreneurship Grant’s eighth round Together, these successes reflect the resilience, creativity, and growing contributions of Afghanistan citizens to the GreaterSt.Louiscommunity.
The Afghan Women’s Sewing Class celebrated the graduation of 14 participants who completed a 12-week program. Over the course of the training, participants gained both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in sewing. For many,thismarkedmorethanjustlearningacraft it opened new doors to self-reliance, financial independence, and confidence. The program provided women with the tools not only to support their families but also to participate moreactivelyinthelocaleconomy.
Equally inspiring was the announcement of the three winners of the Afghan Entrepreneurship Grant. This program, generously funded by Jerry Schlichter and administered by the International Institute of St Louis, offers $20,000 grants to help Afghan entrepreneurs launch or expand their businesses. Its purpose is simple yet powerful: to transform innovative ideas into real, sustainable businesses that contribute to the economicgrowthoftheregion.
This round’s winners represent a new wave of Afghanentrepreneurship:
SodabaBarnayar, a young woman entrepreneur withavisionforbuildingasuccessfulbusiness.
Hamid Safi, a dedicated trader specializing in gemsandminerals.
Omid Safi, an ambitious businessman ready to expand his ventures with the support of the grant.
Each winner received $20,000 in funding, offering them the opportunity to establish and strengthen their businesses in St Louis These efforts not only support individual success but also boost the wider local economy through job creation, cultural exchange, and community development.
The Afghan Entrepreneurship Grant is open to Afghans across the United States, with the requirement that they relocate to Greater St. Louis to launch their businesses. This unique opportunity positions the city as a growing hub forAfghaninnovationandcommunitybuilding.
Together, the graduation ceremony and the entrepreneurship awards symbolize hope and progress. From mastering new skills to turning business dreams into reality, the Afghan community in St Louis is demonstrating resilience, talent, and determination With continued support, these programs will help Afghan voices and businesses thrive, enriching theculturalandeconomiclandscapeofSt.Louis foryearstocome.
Stability and Opportunity in St. Louis: The Main Reason Behind HaidarAli Akbari’s Relocation
When I reflect on my life before 2021, I remember stability, purpose, and hope for the future. I worked at Rahnaward University in Mazar-e-Sharif, Balkh Province a vibrant financial hub in northern Afghanistan serving in the Student Affairs Department. Prior to that, I had the privilege of working with the International Security Assistance Forces (ISAF), contributing to the vision of a more secure and prosperous Afghanistan. Like many Afghans, everything changed in August 2021 when the Taliban regained control of the country. Overnight, life as we knew it vanished. I left Afghanistan with my family, first to Qatar, then Germany, and eventually arrived at a refugee camp in Indiana, USA It was the beginning of a long, uncertain journey
Over the next two years, I moved across several states, trying to find a place where my family could feel safe, settled, and hopeful again. We lived in New Hampshire, where the harsh winter made life especially difficult. We stayed in hotels, with host families, and even with friends as we searched for stability. Eventually, we relocated to Oregon and then California, seeking better opportunities and a stronger community. While I found some work—first in a smoke shop, then in a dealership—I struggled to envision a long-term future there. California’s high cost of living made it nearly impossible to plan for homeownership or meaningful stability
Everything began to change when I learned about the Afghan Support Program run by the International Institute of St. Louis. The program offers relocation assistance to Afghan refugees, helping families like mine move to the greater St. Louis area where living is more affordable, support systems are in place, and opportunities for rebuilding lives are real.
The decision to move to St. Louis was a turning point. Through the program, I received the guidance and support needed to make the transition smooth and secure. One of the most immediate benefits was affordability. I was able to rent a clean, spacious apartment for just $1,250—a fraction of what I was paying in Sacramento. Everyday expenses like gas, insurance, and groceries are significantly lower, making it easier to support my family.
More importantly, the support program connected me with resources I could never have accessed alone. My daughters now have free school bus transportation, easing one of our biggest concerns. I found work quickly with a friend at a dealership, and I’m already planning to launch my own business through an LLC. The Afghan Entrepreneurship Grant, also administered by the International Institute of St. Louis, offers an incredible opportunity to turn my dream into a reality. With that support, I hope to start my own Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) service —an industry I trained for by investing $15,000 in professional development.
This journey hasn’t been easy It’s taken resilience, sacrifice, and the courage to start over multiple times But thanks to the Afghan Support Program, I finally feel like I’m in a place where I can grow roots, give back to my community, and build a future not just for myself, but for my children.
Keeping Traditions Alive: Wahid Qasemi’s Legacy in Afghanistan Music Keeping TraditionsAlive: Wahid Qasemi’s Legacy in Afghanistan Music
Wahid Qasemi is one of the most respected Afghan singers, composers, and researchers of music He has been active for more than thirty years and is still admired today. Born in 1963 in Kabul, Afghanistan, Wahid grew up in a musical family. His father, Ustad Qasim, was one of the best-known Afghan musicians of his time. From childhood, Wahid heard music in his home and learned that songs can bring both joy and meaning to people’s lives. Because of this background, Wahid later became a creative and original artist who sang in many languages spoken across Afghanistan.
Today, Wahid Qasemi lives in Toronto, Canada, but his love for Afghanistan music continues. He is not only a singer but also a composer. He has written and performed songs for young people, adults, and especially children When he worked as a kindergarten teacher, he became interested in the psychology of children. He carefully studied what kind of music they enjoy and what rhythms and melodies make them happy. From this knowledge, he composed children’s songs because he believes children are the “future builders” of Afghanistan. His songs for children are not only fun but also educational. One of his greatest contributions has been the study of traditional Afghanistan folk music. Wahid has traveled to provinces such as Badakhshan, Herat, and Nangarhar. His goal has been to record the music, instruments, and styles of different regions before they disappear
After ten years of research, Wahid published a book calledTheOriginal Music of Badakhshan, Herat,andBadghis Thisbookprovidesdetailed information about folk music, instruments, local songs, and the connection between oral poetryandmusicinAfghanistanculture.Italso explainshowHerat hasbeen an importantcity for developing musical talent. His research shows the richness and variety of Afghanistan music.
Wahid has also expressed concern about problems in modern Afghanistan music. He explains that many new songs lack strong poetry,andsomeTVchannelsbroadcastmusic that harms cultural traditions. In addition to research and teaching, Wahid has re-sung old folksongsandevencomposed musicforblind people He also explains that what many Afghans call “Indian style music” is actually a mixofKhorasaniandIndiantraditions
Today,WahidcontinueshisworkinCanada.He lives with his wife, Trina Mirza, and their son Abdullah, who is also a musician. Wahid Qasemi’slifeshowsthatoneperson’seffortcan protectculture,inspireyoungpeople,andkeep thebeautyofAfghanistanmusicaliveforfuture generations.
Tower Grove Park is one of the most beautiful and historic parks in St. Louis. Its story began in 1866, when Henry Shaw, a retired merchant, decided to give part of his land to the city. Shaw had already created the Missouri Botanical Garden, and he wanted to give the people of St Louis another place to enjoy nature He believed parks were important for health, happiness, and culture. Two years later, on October 20, 1868, Tower Grove Park officially opened.
Shaw made only two conditions for his gift: first, that the land must always be used as a park, and second, that the city must spend money each year to care for it. Today, Tower Grove Park is still managed under these rules by an independent board, making it unique among St. Louis parks. The Victorian style of its buildings and pavilions reflects Shaw’s love of Europe and the classics.
The mission of Tower Grove Park is to be a wellpreserved, wooded Victorian park that offers recreation, education, and culture for everyone It is surrounded by several neighborhoods, and many families from the area enjoy its green spaces. The park is especially important for nearby schools, which use it for outdoor classes and activities.
Tower Grove Park is also a center for community life. More than 200,000 people come each year for cultural events such as the Festival of Nations, Food Truck Fridays, and the Farmers’ Market. With ten historic pavilions, picnic areas, playgrounds, tennis and pickleball courts, and fields for soccer, softball, and baseball, the park offers something for everyone.
It also has seven miles of trails for walking and running. Caring for the park is not easy. It costs $735 a day to cut the grass, $2,100 a week to care for trees, and $2,900 a month to keep the grounds clean Protecting the historic pavilions costs up to $30,000 each year The park has about 7,000 trees, worth more than $10 million, which provide nearly $400,000 in yearly environmental and social benefits.
Because of these costs, Tower Grove Park needs more than $1 million in donations and support each year. Visitors are asked to respect park rules: keep dogs on leashes, do not pick flowers, do not feed wildlife, and barbecue only in approved areas. Alcohol is only allowed in reserved spaces.
Tower Grove Park has a curfew from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. unless you have a Special Events Permit. Visitors should not feed ducks or geese, as they have enough natural food, and fishing is not allowed in the ponds and waterways Crawdads may be caught only in the Lily Ponds. Picking fruits, nuts, or removing any plants or trees is prohibited without Park permission. To rent park sites, contact the Administration and Recreation Manager at 314-771-2679 for details and approvals.
Tower Grove Park remains a gift for all people, just as Henry Shaw imagined. It continues to bring joy, learning, and beauty to St. Louis.
Source: https://www.towergrovepark.org/
Badakhshan: The Land of the Roof of the World Badakhshan:The Land ofthe Roof oftheWorld
Badakhshan is one of the most beautiful and historic provinces of Afghanistan. It is located in the far northeast of the country and shares borders with several places. To the west it connects with Takhar, to the southwest with Panjshir, and to the south with Nuristan In the north and east it touches Tajikistan, while through a narrow passage called the Wakhan Corridor, it reaches China. To the southeast it borders Pakistan. The total area of Badakhshan is more than 44,000 square kilometers, most of which is covered by the Hindu Kush and Pamir mountains.
Badakhshan has 28 districts, including Arghanj Khwa, Argo, Baharak, Darayim, Fayzabad, Ishkashim, Jurm, Khash, Khwahan, Kishim, Kohistan, Kuf Ab, Kuran Wa Munjan, Maimay, Nusay, Raghistan, Shahri Buzurg, Shighnan, Shekay, Shuhada, Tagab, Tishkan, Wakhan, Warduj, Yaftali Sufla, Yamgan, Yawan, Zebak The city of Fayzabad is the capital The province is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty Famous Persian poets and scholars such as Makhfi Badakhshi and Nasir Khusraw lived and died in Badakhshan. Their works are still remembered as treasures of literature and philosophy.
One of the oldest and most famous resources of Badakhshan is lapis lazuli. This beautiful blue stone has been mined in the Sar-e-Sang mines for more than 6,000 years. In ancient times, it was the main source of lapis for kings, artists, and jewelers around the world. Gold and other minerals are also found in the province.
The land of Badakhshan is mostly mountainous, but it is filled with amazing scenery. There are high peaks, wide green valleys, and many beautiful lakes. One of the well-known lakes is Chaqmaqtin Lake, which is about 17 kilometers long and more than 3 kilometers wide The Kokcha River flows through Faizabad, and the great Amu River, which forms the border between Afghanistan and Tajikistan, is also located in this province.
Badakhshan is also famous for its rare wildlife. In the Pamir mountains, known as “the Roof of the World,” one can find snow leopards, Marco Polo sheep, ibex, and many other species. There are about 30 kinds of rare animals and more than 270 types of birds in this area. The Wakhan National Park, created in 2014, is home to much of this wildlife.
Although agriculture is limited because of the mountains, the people of Badakhshan are strong and hardworking The province is also known in literature, as many great poets like Ferdowsi, Saadi, and Iqbal Lahori and more have mentioned its beauty. Badakhshan remains not only a land of natural wonders but also a land of culture, poetry, and history.
Meet Sajjad Arab, an Artist in St. Louis Meet Sajjad Arab, an Artist in St. Louis
When I was in 10th grade, I drew a wolf on my drawing paper during a class activity My teacher asked me, “Why did you choose a wolf?” I replied, “When a wolf remains outside of its flock, it can be hurt, disappear, or be killed. When I left my country, Afghanistan, I felt the same way as if I was no longer connected with my people and my homeland.”
Sajjad left Afghanistan after completing the first grade and moved to Turkey, where he continued his schooling from the second grade. He was only six years old when he returned to school in Turkey. At that time, he discovered another passion — the art of drawing and painting. Later, in higher grades, he advanced further and enrolled in a professional school focused on architecture and painting During high school, he devoted himself fully to painting, spending up to 12 hours a day, which greatly improved his skills
His family members including his parents and siblings were his main supporters and encouraged him to flourish in this field. Sajjad faced language barriers not only in foreign languages but even in his native Persian. He loved history and studied it in Turkish, but he always remained curious about Afghanistan, his birth country. “I have not seen Afghanistan up close. I only know it through textbooks, media, and my family.
My understanding of Afghanistan and its history led me to express my feelings and thoughts through painting and drawing I always had many questions many ‘whys?’ Painting became the only way to depict and express them. That is why a significant number of my paintings are of human and game characters. I wanted to create a collection of these works.”
In recent years, Sajjad and his family moved to St. Louis. While he expected to make further progress in his field, he faced many challenges. His school did not recognize most of his credits from Turkey, so he had to start again from the 9th grade in St. Louis, which left him with less time and focus for painting and drawing
“The biggest challenge I face in St Louis is not having enough time for painting. I go to school and also work, so I am busy. On weekends, I need to spend time with friends. Back in Turkey, I had access to school equipment, including technology that helped me improve my skills, but here I don’t have those resources. Still, I am looking for opportunities to connect with other artists across the city, to work together and share Afghanistan’s culture and heritage with Greater St. Louis. I would love to participate in exhibitions and also sell my paintings to customers.”
The Afghan Community and Its Bright Future at the Festival of Nations
On Saturday morning, I attended the Festival of Nations at Tower Grove Park, one of St Louis’ most colorful and lively events After security checked my badge, I was directed to my work area and signed in at the pavilion at 9 a.m. Wearing my event T-shirt, I felt proud to be part of a celebration that honors cultures from around the world.
I met my supervisor and the zone captain, who explained how vendors share their stories through food, crafts, and businesses. The atmosphere was vibrant, with restaurants, shops, and companies from many nations offering delicious meals, handmade products, and cultural treasures. Many of the vendors were immigrants who had arrived years or decades ago and had built successful businesses, showing how newcomers contribute to the city’s economy and cultural life
Walking through the festival, I saw the true spirit of connection. Visitors could explore everything from clothing and technology to restaurants and arts all in one welcoming space. The festival perfectly demonstrates how culture and business come together to create understanding, opportunity, and celebration. This international gathering offers a wonderful opportunity for the Afghan community in St. Louis. Afghan entrepreneurs, artists, and community members can proudly share Afghanistan rich
culture, traditions, and talents with thousands of visitors Imagine Afghan restaurants serving traditional dishes, artists displaying handmade crafts, paintings, and musicians performing cultural music. This participation would highlight the beauty and diversity of Afghan culture and introduce it to a wider audience.
Engaging in the Festival of Nations is about more than showcasing business; it is about celebrating identity, creativity, and pride. It is a chance for Afghan community members of all ages to connect with others, inspire curiosity, and make meaningful cultural contributions.
The Festival of Nations, led by the International Institute of St. Louis, is a powerful platform for cultural exchange. For the Afghan community, it is an opportunity to shine and show our unique contributions to Greater St Louis By participating actively, we can ensure that Afghan culture is celebrated and appreciated, and that our community continues to grow, connect, and thrive.
Let us look forward to the next Festival of Nations with excitement, creativity, and pride. Together, Afghanistan citizens can make a strong and joyful presence, sharing the beauty, talent, and richness of our culture with everyone in St. Louis.
