Due to the President’s Executive Order on Reevaluating and Realigning United States Foreign Aid, the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration directed Refugee Welcome Collective to immediately suspend work as of January 24, 2025. In compliance with this directive, all RWC offerings, such as Lunch and Learn webinars and Sounding Board social learning spaces, are canceled until further notice. Technical assistance booking is also unavailable at this time.

Parastoo: The Inspiring Story of a Young Afghan Woman’s Journey

Parastoo is a coming-of-age story that follows Farzana, an Afghan refugee, through the growing pains of young adulthood, the unpredictable asylum-seeking process, and her inspiring journey from amateur actress to theater director. This Lunch and Learn explores the story behind the documentary film and provides a special preview.

With the guiding hand of her brother-in-law and director Saleh, Farzana grows confident not just in her art but also in speaking out about the injustices around her – inspiring other young girls in the Afghan and refugee communities of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Learn more about the documentary here.

Watch more Lunch and Learns