On July 14, the Hall of Nations at the International Institute of St. Louis was filled with celebration, pride, and community spirit as we gathered for the Afghan Entrepreneurship Grant event. This special event recognized the resilience, hard work, and vision of Afghan entrepreneurs who are building new lives and creating opportunities in St. Louis. We were honored to celebrate […]
Updates, Success Stories, and Achievements Our latest journal, Issue 38 for June 2026, is now live and ready for you! Explore inspiring stories that celebrate the achievements of our community. Share your own journey and motivate others through the businesses, goals, and successes you are building. Remember, sharing is not only about spreading information, it is about creating connections and […]
Reza Nazari was settled first in Arizona, where his mother had settled before him. He joined his mother to be with her. As he explains, life was difficult for both of them in Arizona, where his mother had fewer connections with her peers and friends, and he himself faced numerous barriers, not only with language but also with other skills […]
Our latest journal, issue 37 for May 2026, is live and ready for you! Dive in and explore meaningful stories that celebrate your success. Share your journey and inspire others with the amazing stories and businesses you’re pursuing. Remember, sharing isn’t just about spreading the word; it’s about fostering connections and building a vibrant community together!
When I reflect on my life before 2021, I remember stability, purpose, and hope for the future. I worked at Rahnaward University in Mazar-e-Sharif, Balkh Province, a vibrant financial hub in northern Afghanistan, serving in the Student Affairs Department. Prior to that, I had the privilege of working with the International Security Assistance Forces (ISAF), contributing to the vision of […]
The Afghan Chamber of Commerce in St. Louis reached a new milestone on August 28, 2025, when it held an important board meeting at the Afghan Community Center to elect its new leadership team. The event was marked by strong community participation, with more than 20 people many of them previous leaders and active members of the community coming together […]
Reading is one of the most important skills a child can learn, and public libraries offer many wonderful books to help children grow into strong readers. Starting early is the key. Experts say that reading aloud to babies, even in their first months, can build the foundation for future success. Many libraries also provide “Lit Kits” — sets that include […]
Public libraries are more than just places to borrow books. They are welcoming community centers that offer many free services to help people of all ages. If English is your second language, you will find that libraries are great places to learn, connect, and grow. Here are some of the helpful things public libraries offer. Many libraries offer job search […]
Your parents might not speak English perfectly or know every new trend. They may not always understand how things work here like you do. But what they do have is something priceless, their love, their hard work, and their experience. They’ve made many sacrifices to give you a chance at a better life.