The Extraordinary Story of a Group of Extraordinary Girls
30 Birds Foundation gives Afghan girls a promising future in Saskatoon
Most of the girls 30 Birds Foundation worked to evacuate to Canada attended a school in Afghanistan that taught democracy, human rights, and other values that Canada holds dear. This made them targets of extremists.
In Afghanistan, they risked their lives every day to pursue their education.
When the Taliban violently took control of the country in 2021, 30 Birds Foundation moved to evacuate students, their families, and teachers at the school. Saskatoon was selected by the Canadian government as the group’s destination. Between October 2021 and May 2023, 30 Birds assisted more than 400 Afghans to come to Saskatoon, though about one third of these moved to other parts of Canada to join family members who were already here, or to attend university. Since that time, other Afghan refugees have arrived via other Canadian government-led efforts.
30 Birds Foundation reached out to Saskatoon Community Foundation to establish a fund, which would accept donations and direct grants for resettlement. Since 2021, any Canadian who has wanted to support the Afghan girls has been able to do so through Saskatoon Community Foundation.
30 Birds accepted generous support from across Canada and around the world—including Victory Majors in Saskatoon—contributing financial support and spreading awareness.
30 Birds Executive Director Justin Hefter described how the charitable partnership mobilized their work:
We needed to raise funds to charter aircraft, rent safehouses in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and fund buses to transport people from one city to the next. We also needed to raise funds to support the girls and their families in Canada—including renting apartments in Saskatoon, providing food and furniture, and buying winter clothes…Saskatoon Community Foundation stepped up in a major way and became our partner in saving lives.
“Saskatoon Community Foundation stepped up in a major way and became our partner in saving lives.”
How safe is the situation in Afghanistan at this time and what are some of the concerns for the rights and freedoms of girls who remain there?
Afghanistan is the only country in the entire world where girls are not allowed to go to school. There are 1,254,473 girls over the age of 12 who have been banned from high school, university and graduate school—just because of their gender. The Taliban is the only government in the world with hatred of women as an official part of its governing platform…women and girls cannot visit public parks, are banned from most jobs or careers, and cannot leave the house without a male escort from their family. Most women and girls spend day after day confined to their homes.
What is life like for the Afghan students, teachers, and families who are now living in Saskatoon? What are their current needs?
Life is filled with gratitude for the newfound opportunities, mixed with challenges posed by the realities of the modern housing crisis and inflation. While they appreciate the chances they’ve been given in Saskatoon, the economic realities can be tough. However, their most profound need isn’t material but emotional and social. They’re actively seeking community ties, looking to forge intercultural relationships, be it friendships or mentorships, to better integrate and find a sense of belonging in their new home.
What do you hear from the Afghan diaspora who have started a new part of their lives in this country?
Everyone is incredibly grateful for the opportunities and safety that Saskatoon and Canada offer. They love Canada and are excited to give back. However, starting new lives from scratch is incredibly challenging. We have young women who were about to graduate from dentistry school, who must start all over. They had six years of experience studying and working as a dentist in Afghanistan, but now need to start with their freshman year at university. Many of he young women also fled Afghanistan without their families and have little social or emotional support here. Yet, none of these women are going to give up. They are rapidly studying English and are excited to contribute to Canadian society.
How has 30 Birds worked with Saskatoon Open Door Society to provide settlement services?
Since the fall of 2021, Saskatoon Open Door Society has been our steadfast partner, offering both immediate and extended support in settling our community members. Their partnership has been invaluable, and we’re profoundly grateful for their continued assistance
How can Saskatoon community members support the Afghan girls?
30 Birds Foundation is committed to ensuring that all of our young women and girls can attend university, so they fulfill their dreams and give back to Canada. We are raising funds to support scholarships for Afghan girls at Canadian universities, and welcome contributions from the community in Saskatoon to our Educational Empowerment Initiative.
Photos: A Saskatoon celebration with Afghan girls, submitted. An Afghan girl is evacuated, photo by Maryam Masoomi.
