30 Birds Foundation

The 30 Birds Foundation has its roots in the Marefat High School which was one of Afghanistan’s first co-ed schools, known for producing driven and capable graduates ready to advocate for women’s liberation, democracy, civil society, and civil education. The Taliban’s violent return to power in 2021 threatened the school’s leadership, teachers, students and graduates; all were forced into hiding. The 30 Birds Foundation was rapidly formed to secure the evacuation and safe resettlement of the school’s founder, alumnae, and current students. Despite multiple dangers and challenges, the Foundation succeeded in bringing 450 Afghans, including family members and various activists for female education, safely across the border with nearly half of them resettled in Canada.

Building on this success, the 30 Birds Foundation continues to support Afghan girls to achieve safety and fulfil their potential.