University of Tulsa student Sateza Safi has been awarded a Sparking Change grant by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. The grants of up to $10,000 are given to refugee leaders who hope to effect change and build their local communities, with potential projects ranging from those that foster cohesion across cultural differences, to those highlighting the creative voices of refugees and asylum seekers.
“The application required me to reflect deeply on my journey and articulate how the grant would enable me to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others,” Safi said. “Upon receiving the grant, I felt a profound sense of validation and gratitude, knowing that my efforts to create positive change had been recognized and supported.”
Safi received the Sparking Change grant for her work developing an Afghan peer support group at TU. A political science sophomore, she studied for two semesters at the American University of Afghanistan before she was forced to flee her home following the fall of the Afghan government and the return of the Taliban to power. After a long journey, Safi arrived at TU.
“As an Afghan refugee, my experience has been defined by upheaval and uncertainty,” Safi said. “The decision to leave behind my homeland and family was agonizing, driven by the relentless conflict and danger that engulfed Afghanistan. The journey to safety in a distant land tested me both physically and emotionally, as I grappled with the challenges of starting anew in a foreign culture. Yet, amidst the turmoil, my resilience propels me forward. I am determined to rebuild my life and support fellow refugees through education and assistance initiatives, striving to create a brighter future for us all.”
Recognizing the challenges faced by Afghan students like herself, Safi founded the Afghan Student Empowerment in the United States (ASEUS) program. ASEUS prioritizes academic success and supports personal well-being, assisting with language barriers and fostering inclusive communities for Afghan students at TU. A crucial component of ASEUS is the Afghan Peer Mentoring Program, which pairs returning Afghan students with newcomers to help ease their transition. Additionally, Safi organizes welcome programs and cultural celebrations to showcase the rich culture of Afghanistan and create a sense of belonging on campus.
“Given the difficult backgrounds many Afghan students come from, this program plays a crucial role in facilitating their smooth integration into university life,” she said.
In August 2021, The University of Tulsa announced it would provide scholarships to cover the cost of tuition for up to four years to Afghans evacuated to the United States following their government’s fall to the Taliban. TU was one of the first institutions in the country to offer this level of support, working in collaboration with numerous community organizations and individuals to welcome 850 Afghans who sought refuge in Tulsa, many of whom were university students unable to complete their studies before fleeing. Almost three years later, a humanitarian crisis continues in Afghanistan and support is crucial.
“Creating an Afghan peer support group at TU has been a labor of love, rooted in my own experiences as an Afghan student on campus,” Safi said. “Looking ahead, I aspire to expand ASEUS to other universities across the United States, ensuring that Afghan students nationwide receive the support they need to thrive academically and personally.”