Advocacy

Following the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan on August 15, 2021, Excel expanded its efforts in improving the quality of life for Afghan children, men, and women to include creating programs that contribute to the physical and mental stability of Afghan refugees and immigrants during this difficult time.

U.S. Committee for Refugees & Immigrants Partnership

Excel partnered with the U.S. Committee for Refugees & Immigrants (USCRI) in 2022. Through this partnership, Mina has served as an advocate for those seeking refuge–designing new cultural orientation activities, supplementing existing welcoming activities for Afghan guests, facilitating much-needed discussions, and advising leaders regarding various aspects of the orientation process.

A Physical, Mental, & Emotional Health Advocate

To address the mental health of the recently traumatized immigrant and refugee Afghan population, Excel has led information campaigns to raise awareness and provide resources for many pressing issues, including gender-based violence (GBV) and child abuse.

Mina has translated and interpreted for her clients with the highest degree of accuracy to ensure understanding and to secure adequate services.

Understanding that those most vulnerable to the swift adaptation required by the sudden changes in Afghanistan are immigrant and refugee children, Excel has specifically targeted the needs of children ages 5-18 with classroom resources designed to instruct students in cultural sensitivity, anxiety management, the understanding of their new lives, fixed mindset vs growth mindset, environment adaptation, and hygiene. As needed, Mina has referred children for professional consultation based on her assessment of their anxiety.

Excel has pulled resources from both governmental and civilian institutions and continues to operate as a cultural broker, an advocate for those who so desperately need one during a most difficult transition.

SMART Goals Instruction

Student Testimonials

Mina’s refugee students provided feedback on the impact of her courses on how to cope with anxiety and regain focus as the students begin their new lives in the United States. SMART goal setting, group work, lectures, and discussions were some of the strategies used to help students to overcome their fears and become successful in their new journey.

Dear teacher Mina, You taught us how to decrease our anxiety when we are defocused, and how to reduce our anxiety by focusing and concentration and how to relax our mind. She was relaxing our mind every day. I am very grateful to teacher Mina.

Halal Mental Focus B Class (ages 9-13), September 5, 2022

Since I have come here, I got familiar with a lot of things. The things that are taught to us is that we should make a good plan. Think about what we are intended to do and to achieve and then start doing that to reach to our goals. We should believe in ourselves, lay the proper foundation for ourselves and to think that how to reach our goals.

Bilal Working Through Anxiety, While Setting Goals A Class (ages 14-18), September 2, 2022

I learned how to focus and how to relax my mind by taking a walk, running, listening to soft music, rubbing my ears, etc. Practice listening to the sound of water or river was comforting for me very much and relived my anxiety because I was thinking that I am close to water, fountain, and it relaxed my mind. My ambition for the future is to utilize these practices. I want to be a good learner. Now I am ready for going to school.

Matin Mental Focus B Class (ages 9-13), September 5, 2022

I am Zaland. Since I have come to this class, I have learnt a lot of things. There were many things to learn. For example, if there is a team and they want to reach a place in their life, we must agree on one thing. We should have a plan for it. If there are 4 members in the team and each of them want to reach a different goal so they won’t be able to achieve their shared goal as a team. (Unless all of them work together for their shared common goals).

Zaland Working Through Anxiety, While Setting Goals A Class (ages 14-18), September 2, 2022

How much did you learn during this time? I learned how to focus on a goal, how to calm/relax my mind, being clean, new words, reduce stress. How much did your anxiety decrease? 10% decreased in this time. What is your ambition? To be a surgeon Are you ready for school? Yes, Yes

Shegofa Mental Focus B Class (ages 9-13), September 5, 2022

SMART Goal Means Goal. In my view when a person has a goal to do something, and I have a goal to be a good businessman. For that goal to become a good businessman what should I do? First, I should introduce a good and high-quality product in the market. Second, I should sell it by fair price, if I have an online shop. I should deliver the product on time and I should keep the delivery free.

Mano Working Through Anxiety, While Setting Goals A Class (ages 14-18), September 2, 2022

How much did you learn during this time? I learned lessons averagely/ medium. What did you learn? I learned how to focus and concentrate. What is your ambition? Focusing, playing sport, I want to be a football player. Are you ready for school? Yes, because teacher Rahimi prepared us for school. Thank you, teacher!

Yousuf Mental Focus B Class (ages 9-13), September 5, 2022

How much did you learn during this time? It’s been two weeks that I come to school. What did you learn? The important thing that I learned is focusing or concentrating; that was the most valuable lesson. And thanks much to teacher Mina for helping us in this two-weeks. Thanks, a world. How much has your anxiety decreased from the first day? 80% with the help with teacher Mina. What is your dream/wish/ambition? To become a businesswoman. Are you ready for School? Yes, with the help of teachers Mina, Jamshid, and Rahimi.

Farhat Mental Focus B Class (ages 9-13), September 5, 2022