HandyFix continues to offer repair and improvement services across the St. Louis metropolitan area, proving that with skill, determination, and community spirit, even a small business can make a big difference.
The program quickly became a highlight of the week. Players met friends from nearby neighborhoods, shared stories, and enjoyed the sense of community.
She wants young women to know that even in the darkest times, challenges will not last forever, and with determination, education, and courage, they can achieve their dreams
St. Louis
Even though the statues are gone, their memory remains The Buddhas of Bamiyan are gone from the cliffs, but they continue to live in history and in the hearts of people around the world
Where You Can Flourish St. Louis Where You Can Flourish
3. An Afghan Entrepreneur Helps Rebuild St. Louis After the May Storms 4. When a Small Effort Turns into Something Big
5. Hussain:
Pathway in St.
6.
– An Afghan Woman’s Journey 7. Moving to St. Louis: What Happens to Your Driver License
Missouri History Museum – A Place to Learn, Explore, and Connect
Bamiyan Province
Best Books for Your Child at the Public Library
“A Shell That Did Not Become a Pearl”: A Set of Cultural Similarities and Differences
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Shakardokht Jafari
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
An Afghan Entrepreneur Helps Rebuild St. LouisAfterthe MayStorms
In May, St. Louis, Missouri, was hit by a powerful storm with heavy rain, strong winds, and even a confirmed tornado. It caused a lot of damage to the city. Sadly, at least five people died, and 38 others were injured. Around 5,000 buildings were damaged, and tens of thousands of residents lost electricity. The storm also brought down many trees and left streets filled with debris.
Among those who stepped forward to help after the disaster was the winner of the Afghan Entrepreneurship Grant, the owner of HandyFix, a local home repair company HandyFix provides professional repair services for houses and apartments in the St. Louis area. Their work includes fixing leaks, installing fixtures, repairing roofs, and improving homes inside and out. After the storm, many people contacted HandyFix through their website and phone to ask for help. The company accepted the challenge and took part in important rebuilding work. They completed five major projects, including repairing roofs, fixing damaged houses and apartments, and cleaning the outside areas. However, this work was not without challenges. The storm had knocked down many large trees, but the company did not have enough equipment to cut and remove them quickly They had to work hard with the tools they had, while also trying to meet the needs of the community.
The owner explained that such situations show where a company’s weaknesses are and also teach valuable lessons for the future. Despite the difficulties, the team at HandyFix felt proud to help. As residents of St. Louis themselves, they were happy to give back to the city they call home. “It feels good to work for the city where we live, breathing its air and sharing life with our neighbors,” the owner said.
One important lesson they learned was the need to always be ready for emergencies. “Storms and disasters don’t warn us before they come,” the owner explained “We must be prepared to protect ourselves, our families, and our property.”
The Afghan Entrepreneurship Grant helped HandyFix grow their business, and during this crisis, it allowed them to serve their community in a meaningful way. Their story shows how immigrant entrepreneurs can play an important role in rebuilding and strengthening a city after disaster strikes.
HandyFix continues to offer repair and improvement services across the St. Louis metropolitan area, proving that with skill, determination, and community spirit, even a small business can make a big difference.
This past August, the Soccer Program of the Afghan Support Program came to an end but its impact was much bigger than expected. It brought together a large crowd of families, volunteers, partners, and supporters. Everyone played a part in making it happen.
Every Sunday evening, Afghan youth gathered at the TACO Soccer Center in St Louis to play soccer The players, aged between 9 and 16, came with fathers, brothers, friends, and even volunteers. For one hour from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. two soccer fields were rented: one for younger players and another for the older ones. Excitement grew when players learned that observers from the St. Louis City Soccer Club would be watching. Everyone was eager to play their best. One father told me, “We want this program to continue. It’s the best activity to keep the kids healthy and also a great opportunity for all of us to expand our network. The program quickly became a highlight of the week. Players met friends from nearby neighborhoods, shared stories, and enjoyed the sense of community
The facility manager showed kindness and support to the young athletes, making them feel welcome and valued.
The observers from the St. Louis City Soccer Club were impressed. They noticed strong skills, discipline, and teamwork. They also answered questions from the players, who were curious about the club’s programs and opportunities
Many boys came to the field straight after work or school, looking forward to the fun and energy of the game. Several players who had recently moved to St. Louis joined the program and expressed their happiness at being part of it.
This soccer program was made possible through the Afghan Support Program, which is run by the International Institute of St. Louis. It started as a small effort, but it grew into a meaningful weekly event that strengthened both health and community ties.
Are you inspired? Would you like to enroll your children in future activities like this?
Please contact us at sayedis@iistl org
When I first came to St. Louis, my expectations were high, and I worked hard to reach them. I set many goals, but since I didn’t fully understand the environment and situation, I struggled at times and was not able to achieve everything I planned. Still, I am grateful because over the past year and a half, I have stayed connected to education and personal growth by using opportunities to upskill myself. Although I cannot always use the knowledge I gained back in Afghanistan, my mindset is to keep that knowledge alive. I look forward to working with like-minded people across the city. For me, it is about keeping my knowledge fresh, and I am confident that I will be able to apply it in the future That is why I continue to participate in both virtual and in-person learning opportunities, even after long workdays. My main purpose is to keep learning and to stay engaged. I am especially thankful to the International Institute of St. Louis, which referred me to a technology-related program. Through their support, I joined a Full-Stack Web Development course with Savvy Coders. The program ran for three months, three hours each weekday from 6 to 9 p.m. Because I already had an undergraduate degree in computer science, this course gave me the chance to review concepts, learn new tools, and practice real-world projects.
It also helped me expand my network and connect with like-minded classmates and fellows. I had hoped that completing this program and earning a certificate would help me quickly find my place in the St. Louis job market. Unfortunately, for several reasons including language barriers and limited knowledge about the local market I have not yet been able to secure the right opportunity. Still, I remain hopeful that it will happen soon.
Recently, I joined the EMPOWER Program through Washington University. This program supports new Americans like me who have strong educational backgrounds or professional experience but face barriers in finding jobs in their fields By the end of the program, participants receive a certificate of completion, which can strengthen their chances in the marketplace. I am confident that this opportunity will help me find my role and place in the community.
In addition to my studies, I am working on a digital project: BushBazar.com, an online marketplace connecting buyers and sellers in St. Louis. This platform is being developed by Pamir Web, a small startup in the city. I believe it will create new opportunities for both local businesses and the community.
An Afghan Woman’s Journey Shakardokht Jafari –
Shakardokht Jafari –
An Afghan Woman’s Journey
https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/
Dr. Shakardokht Jafari is an Afghan-born scientist, inventor, and campaigner for girls’ education. She tells her remarkable story in her autobiography Shakar: An Afghan Woman’s Journey. Today, she works as a clinical scientist in radiotherapy at Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth, England, and she is the founder and CEO of TRUEinvivo, a company that develops technology to improve cancer treatment.
Shakardokht was born in 1977 in Daykundi Province, Afghanistan. When she was six years old, war forced her family to leave their village and travel to Iran She remembers saying goodbye to her grandfather before a long, sixmonth journey. Life as a refugee was hard, but she dreamed of continuing her education. At the age of 14, she refused an arranged marriage to an older cousin. She wrote a letter to her father explaining that she wanted to study and have a different life. Her father supported her decision, even though the rest of the family was unhappy. A year later, she refused another arranged marriage, and this time her father stopped speaking to her. Despite these family problems, Shakardokht continued studying in secret. At night, when her family was asleep, she would go outside with a homemade lantern to read her books She was the only girl from her high school to pass the national university entrance exam that year. She went on to earn a degree in radiation technologies from Tabriz University in Iran.
After graduating, she returned to Afghanistan when the Taliban regime fell. She began teaching at Kabul Medical University and was asked to help re-establish a cancer treatment center. This opportunity required advanced studies, so she moved to the UK to complete a master’s degree and later a PhD in medical physics. Her research solved a problem in radiotherapy, and she turned her discovery into a product by starting her own company. While her business was growing, she faced another challenge breast cancer while pregnant with her third child Doctors changed her treatment plan so she could deliver the baby safely Her son, Sani, was born healthy and is now an energeticfour-year-old.
Shakardokht also leads Education Bridge for Afghanistan, a charity providing online lessons to Afghan girls who cannot attend school. The program offers school subjects and personal development, encouraging girls to see opportunities beyond Afghanistan.
Through her work and her book, Shakardokht inspires others. She wants young women to know that even in the darkest times, challenges will not last forever, and with determination, education, and courage, they can achieve their dreams. Shakar: An Afghan Woman’s Journey is availablefrom booksellers now
Source: The News
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Moving toSt. Louis: What HappenstoYour Driver License
Relocating to St Louis, Missouri, brings with it not only a change of scenery but also a few legal responsibilities One of the first tasks for new residents is transferring their driver license to Missouri. Under state law, once you establish residency, you are required to apply and pay for a Missouri driver license at a Missouri license office.
If you already hold a valid driver license from another U.S. state or one that expired within the last 184 days you may surrender it in exchange for a Missouri license without having to retake the written and skills tests. However, all applicants must pass two short but essential assessments: the Missouri road sign recognition test and a vision test. For commercial drivers, the rules are even stricter a Commercial Driver License (CDL) must be transferred within 30 days of becoming a Missouri resident The length of your Missouri driver license depends on your age. Drivers between 21 and 69 years old may apply for a six-year license, while those between 18 and 20, as well as drivers aged 70 or older, are eligible for a three-year license. If your current license is nearing its expiration date, you may renew up to six months early. Otherwise, if you simply want to update the physical card you carry, you can apply for a duplicate, which will keep the same expiration date as your current license. To obtain your license, you must provide proof of identity,
lawful status in the U S , a Social Security number, and proof of Missouri residency These requirements also apply to anyone seeking an instruction permit.
For young drivers, the process begins as early as age 15. The first step is visiting a Missouri State Highway Patrol examination station to complete the written test, vision screening, and road sign recognition test. A passing score on the written test is 80 percent, meaning at least 20 correct answers out of 25 questions. With a completed Driver Examination Record, the applicant accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or qualified instructor — can then apply for the instruction permit at a Missouri license office. The permit costs $7.00, is valid for 12 months, and can be renewed During the learning period, driving practice must be supervised by a qualified adult with a valid driver license Life can be unpredictable, and if your Missouri driver license is ever lost, stolen, or destroyed, the process for replacing it is straightforward: simply visit any Missouri license office, apply, and pay for a replacement.
In short, moving to St. Louis means adapting to a new environment and making sure your driver license reflects your new home is one of the first steps toward becoming a true Missouri resident.
Source: https://dor.mo.gov/
Missouri History Museum A Place to Learn,
Explore, and Connect Missouri History Museum A Place to Learn, Explore, and Connect
The Missouri History Museum is a nationally recognized museum located in Forest Park, St. Louis, Missouri. It focuses on local and regional history, offering exhibits, programs, and events for people of all ages. The museum is operated by the Missouri Historical Society (MHS), which was founded in 1866. Admission is free, thanks to support from the Metropolitan Zoological Park and Museum District. The museum’s collection includes both national and local artifacts. Visitors can see items from Missouri’s colonial past, Native American history, the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition, and Charles Lindbergh’s famous trans-Atlantic flight in the Spirit of St Louis A full-size replica of the plane is on display Artifacts from the Lewis and Clark Expedition are also part of the permanent collection, as St. Louis was their starting point.
MHS offers exciting programs for children and families, such as storytelling sessions and seasonal events. These activities encourage young people to explore and connect with the history of St. Louis in a fun way. The museum also provides free educational programs for PreK–12 students and teachers. These include field trips, outreach visits, and virtual learning. All programs are led by trained educators and are designed to encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and empathy. Activities are interactive and suitable for different grade levels, so learning is engaging and age-appropriate
MHS wants students to feel welcome and safe, to develop museum skills, and to hear diverse stories that help them understand different perspectives. Programs are not traditional lectures; instead, they involve participation and conversation.
Teens Make History (TMH) is a paid program for high school students that teaches teamwork, leadership, and professional skills. It has two parts:
STL Changemakers – A free two-week summer program where teens learn about St. Louis history, discuss important issues, and create projects for the future Participants receive a $150 stipend
·Teen Historian Apprenticeships – Part-time, paid jobs during the school year. Teens work with peers on history projects and gain handson experience.
Learning does not stop after school. MHS offers tours, group visits, and free continuing education classes through St. Louis Community College. Adults can enjoy Discovery Tours, See STL Tours, and exhibits at both the Missouri History Museum and Soldiers Memorial Military Museum.
Whether you are a student, parent, teen, or adult, the Missouri History Museum is a place to explore the past, understand the present, and imagine the future
Bamiyan Province Bamiyan Province
The Buddhas of Bamiyan were two giant statues carved into the cliffs of the Bamiyan Valley in central Afghanistan This valley lies along the ancient Silk Road, the trade route that once connected China with the Western world. Between the 3rd and 6th centuries CE, Bamiyan was a busy center for religion, art, and learning. Many Buddhist monks lived in monasteries around the valley, making it an important place for Buddhism before the arrival of Islam in the 7th century.
The statues, known locally as “Shahmama” (the smaller one) and “Solsol” (the larger one), were carved in the 6th century. Shahmama stood about 115 feet (35 meters) tall, and Solsol was about 174 feet (53 meters) tall. They were the largest standing Buddha statues in the world. The figures were carved from sandstone cliffs in the style of Gandhara art, which showed a mix of Greek, Indian, and Central Asian influences. Their surfaces were covered with a layer of mud and straw, then finished with fine stucco to show details in the faces, robes, and hands.
For more than 1,400 years, the Buddhas stood in the valley, watching over travelers, merchants, and armies passing along the Silk Road. The area around Bamiyan is surrounded by the Kohi-Baba and Hindu Kush mountains, making it a breathtaking location. Many visitors were amazed by the peaceful beauty of the statues. Over time, the region’s religion changed. By the 7th century, Islam had replaced Buddhism, but the Buddhas were still respected as wonders of the world In the 19th century, Western explorers and historians began writing about them, and they became famous internationally.
Sadly, in March 2001, the Taliban destroyed both statues, calling them un-Islamic
The explosions left two huge empty spaces in the cliffs. The loss shocked people around the world and was seen as an attack on cultural heritage, not only for Afghanistan but for all humanity.
Today, Bamiyan is one of Afghanistan’s 34 provinces. It is mostly rural and known for farming, but it still carries its deep history. In 2015, Bamiyan was chosen as the Cultural Capital of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). Parts of the Bamiyan Valley, including the remains of the Buddhas, are now UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Even though the statues are gone, their memory remains. They remind us of a time when Bamiyan was a crossroads of cultures, where ideas from India, China, Persia, and Greece came together to create something lasting and beautiful. The Buddhas of Bamiyan are gone from the cliffs, but they continue to live in history and in the hearts of people around the world.
Best Books for Your Child at the Public Library Best Books for Your Child at the Public Library
Reading is one of the most important skills a child can learn, and public libraries offer many wonderful books to help children grow into strong readers Starting early is the key Experts say that reading aloud to babies, even in their first months, can build the foundation for future success. Many libraries also provide “Lit Kits” sets that include books, toys, and guides to help children learn while having fun with their caregivers.
One recommended book is One, Two, Three! A Happy Counting Book. This fun counting story is filled with colorful animal characters and can be paired with the Numbers Lit Kit for extra learning. Another great choice is Click, Clack, ABC, an alphabet adventure with silly farm animals that children will enjoy from A to Z. For learning colors, Hello Hello Colors introduces little readers to bright colors through animals like zebras and sloths
For babies, What Is Baby Wearing? is a sweet board book showing hats, dresses, and other clothing items with bright photos. If your child loves music, If You’re Happy and You Know It! is an interactive sing-along book with animals that clap, stomp, and roar along with the song. Libraries also have books to help children and teens develop important life skills. Life Skills: From Organizing Your Kitchen to Saving a Houseplant offers simple tips for everyday challenges — from cleaning sneakers to folding a fitted sheet.
For teenagers learning to be independent, Life Skills Book for Teens covers budgeting, cooking, making appointments, and social skills, with checklists to help practice each topic.
Money management is another important subject for young people. Money Matters for Teens shares advice from young writers on how to spend wisely, save for the future, and prepare for college expenses.
Teens can also grow by giving back to their communities. Teen Guide to Volunteering helps readers find volunteer opportunities and explains how volunteering builds confidence, social skills, and valuable experience for future careers and college applications
For those with a creative spirit, Creative Crafts for Teens offers 25 craft projects from making vision boards and gratitude gifts to designing positive-message clothing. These activities help teens express themselves while building confidence and creativity.
Public libraries are more than places to borrow books they are gateways to learning, creativity, and life skills. Whether your child is a baby just learning colors or a teenager preparing for adulthood, there is a book waiting at the library to inspire and guide them.
Source: https://www.slpl.org/youthbooklists/
“A Shell That Did Not Become a Pearl”: A Set of Cultural Similarities and Differences
“A Shell That Did Not Become a Pearl”: A Set of Cultural Similarities and Differences
One of the consequences of the collapse of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan on August 15, 2021, was the large-scale displacement of the Afghanistan population to regional and distant countries. A huge number of people became refugees and sought temporary protection status among them women, men, and individuals from various social groups, particularly journalists, civil society activists, and political figures who were resettled by other countries.
Abdul Zahir Aztarabi, the author of “A Shell That Did Not Become a Pearl” resettled in Germany as a refugee along with his family. Germany played a significant role in evacuating Afghanistan citizens and is a European powerhouse in culture, language, philosophy, and science
Although its population is only twice that of Afghanistan, its joys and sorrows are immense Undoubtedly, Afghanistan citizens rooted in a traditional culture with a limited global outlook face numerous challenges when adjusting to the modern German lifestyle and high quality of life. While resettlement presents learning opportunities, it also brings sorrows and challenges that must be understood. As a journalist, from the early stages of building
a new life in Germany, Mr. Aztarabi sought to study the complexities of immigration, the cultural, economic, and political differences between the two countries, and to explore untold stories. He devoted a part of his life to learning about the behaviors and everyday experiences of his fellows The first chapter of the book is titled “Sawghati ”
In this book, the author endeavors to portray relevant, well-rounded, and true stories from the small but diverse Afghan community in Germany through short stories and satire. Storytelling through satire is not easy; as Nikolai Gogol said, “Satire is laughter amidst invisible tears.” Similarly, Dr. Akram Osman noted, “Through satire, we punish irresponsibility and isolation, and the goal is reform, not to offend.”
Mr. Aztarabi blends satire with narrative, reconstructing reality through literary form. Each story and satire in this collection is inspired by real events experienced by him or his fellows across Germany The book consists of ten chapters, each presenting real-life stories of Afghans confronting new and modern cultural values and lifestyles. It reflects on their cultural shocks in areas such as gender roles, culture, quality of life, life expectancy, and social inequality. While Afghanistan is rich in historical culture, it has unfortunately been misrepresented due to over five decades of war.
The book includes topics such as: “We Came Here Unjustly,” “Gift,” “What Is Sexual Violence?”, “Child or Dog,” “Struggle,” “Beach,” “From Escalators to Smart Toilets,” and “Signs of the Resurrection.”
The author, Abdul Zahir Aztarabi, is a journalist, investigative reporter, and one of the cultural figures of Afghanistan (Herat) He is one of the pioneers of modern journalism in Afghanistan after 2001 and has devoted much of his life to educating and training young journalists. He currently resides in Germany, where he encourages his fellows to prepare for and embrace the host culture in Western societies something he believes is needed every day.
Asia Lebas Mahal – Elegant Dressesfor EveryOccasion
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To advertise on this page or in other parts of the journal, or if you would like to share your story, a piece of writing about your community, lessons learned, and more, please contact us at sayedis@iistl.org
