Friends of The American University of Afghanistan

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Alexandria, VA
Friends of The American University of Afghanistan

We are a 501(c)(3) dedicated to supporting higher education in Afghanistan. Education Will Prevail!
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06/10/2026

🎨 20 Years of AUAF, told through the eyes of those who live it.

We’re building a commemorative art exhibition celebrating our 20th Anniversary, and the first submissions are already coming in. These are the stories, voices, and visions of our students, and we are honored to share them with our community.

📖 Featured work will be showcased at our 20th Anniversary events — and in something very special we’ve been working on. Stay tuned.

🎓 AUAF Students and Alumni: Your story deserves to be part of this. Submit by June 30th or August 31st and check your AUAF email for full details. (Alumni, details will be in your inbox soon. Make sure to subscribe to our alumni newsletter!)

05/27/2026

On Eid al-Adha, we honor the spirit of sacrifice. At AUAF, that spirit resides
in every student who chooses education over fear,
in every supporter who believes deeply enough to give,
and in a university that stands for Afghanistan’s future.

To our students, alumni, faculty and friends worldwide, Eid Mubarak! May this Eid bring you peace and time with loved ones.

04/19/2026

Celebrating community, and 20 years of AUAF ✨

On March 27, in the Washington, DC metropolitan area, we brought together AUAF alumni for a special evening—organized by Friends of AUAF and graciously hosted by Dr. David and Dr.Diana Sedney.

Hearing their journeys, achievements, and the impact they continue to make in their communities and around the world was both inspiring and grounding. It’s a powerful reminder of what access to education can achieve—and the strength of the AUAF network.

Here are a few highlights from the evening—stay tuned for more.

If you’re an AUAF alum and would like to stay connected, we’d love to hear from you—send us a DM to join our alumni newsletter and community.

02/11/2026

Today, the world celebrates the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.

We asked former AUAF Chemistry professor, foundational contributor, and committed donor Dr. Diana Sedney to share her perspective on why STEM education is so vital today.

Here’s a snapshot:

“STEM teaches students to ask why — Why is the sky blue? Why does water expand when it freezes? Why does AI work? That disciplined curiosity shapes minds prepared to lead across every field.”

Read her full reflections on our website (link in bio).

Support AUAF and its many STEM students in a world of why’s. 💙

01/24/2026

International Day of Education 2026

For 20 years, AUAF has believed in the power of education. We continue to evolve, innovate, and meet students where they are. Education will always prevail.

afghanistan

12/02/2025

AUAF Students Are Moving Forward — Thanks to You

This , we begin with gratitude.
Because of supporters like you, Afghan students continue to learn, grow, and hope.

Your generosity has sustained access to higher education for thousands of ambitious, brilliant young Afghans — and empowered our students and alumni to give back in countless ways.

🌟 A few things we achieved together in 2025 🌟
• Completed our Matching Gift Campaign
• Celebrated at the 15th Annual Awards Dinner
• Hosted 12 “Let’s Connect” meetings
• Launched a Narrative Therapy Group Project with Dr. Mary DeReadt
• Enabled 1,077 student enrollments
• Congratulated 139 new graduates

Give today and change a student’s tomorrow. Link in bio.

10/14/2025

HONOREE HIGHLIGHT: The Chance: Amb. H.E. Meshal Al-Thani

In 2021, as AUAF sought a new home to continue its mission, the State of Qatar— through the Qatar Fund for Development, Qatar Foundation, and the leadership of H.E. Meshal Al-Thani—opened its arms to our students, welcoming them to Doha and ensuring their education would not be interrupted.

Ambassador Al-Thani has been a steadfast partner in strengthening U.S.-Qatar initiatives and expanding opportunities for young Afghan students to learn, grow, and lead.

At our 15th Annual Awards Dinner, we honor Ambassador Al-Thani for his unwavering commitment to education, partnership, and the power of giving a chance.

Link in bio!

10/09/2025

Honoree Highlight: The Change: Major Jessica Yahn and Corporal Riane Donoho

As the conflict evolved, the U.S. military recognized the critical role of trust and access. Female Engagement Teams (FETs) and Cultural Support Teams (CSTs) were introduced, enabling female combat units to engage with Afghan women—those often beyond the reach of their male counterparts—to gather vital intelligence, access, and trust. Their efforts strengthened security missions and helped foster grassroots social change.

At our 15th Annual Awards Dinner we honor Major Jessica Yahn and Corporal Riane Donoho, two extraordinary women who seized the chance to make lasting impact through courage, empathy, and leadership.

10/07/2025

Honoree Highlight: The Charge: Lieutenant Colonel Mark Nutsch and CW4 (Ret.) Bob Pennington

Twelve U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers—later known as the “12 Strong”—embarked on a mission that changed history. On horseback, they forged alliances and paved the way for a new era of progress in Afghanistan.

The American University of Afghanistan stands today as a lasting legacy of their courage and vision.

At our 15th Annual Awards Dinner we honor Lieutenant Colonel Mark Nutsch and CW4 (Ret.) Bob Pennington, two of these remarkable Horse Soldiers who led the charge.

Event link in bio!

08/15/2025

August in AUAF: A Month of Remembrance and Resilience

On August 24, 2016, AUAF faced a complex terrorist attack. A mural painted shortly after still stands as a tribute to those we lost and a reminder of their courage and dreams.

On August 15, 2021, the Afghan government collapsed. Just two weeks later, AUAF’s fall semester began on time—thanks to innovative online teaching and the unwavering determination of our students.

These moments could have ended our mission. Instead, they deepened our resolve.

Today, we share our updated AUAF Timeline—a living record of resilience, milestones, and our belief in education’s power to shape a brighter future.

Address

520 N Washington Street
Alexandria, VA
22314

Website

https://linktr.ee/friendsofauaf

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