\u201cI originally started the Dosti Network because I was trying to get my father out of Afghanistan,\u201d said Tora, who is a native of Afghanistan but grew up in Pakistan as a refugee before enrolling at Earlham. \u201cThanks to a network of volunteers, the project started with supporting Afghans to connect with resources for evacuation and resettlement. Now, we are providing aid to grassroot efforts to address food insecurity, inaccessibility to education, and many other key issues in Afghanistan.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tora was selected for the fellowship from a pool of 1,400 applicants from 100 countries. Former U.S. first lady Michelle Obama, CNN political commentator Van Jones and Teach for America CEO Wendy Kopp are past recipients of the award. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAfghanistan remains in a state of crisis,\u201d Tora said. \u201cThere is food insecurity and harsh economic conditions. Sanctions have made it difficult for people to access money in their banks. There\u2019s a brain drain from people who have left and were working or running different organizations due to risks of persecution by the Taliban.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition to the Echoing Green Fellowship, Tora is also a Rhodes Scholar at the University of Oxford. She is the first Afghan and the first woman from Earlham to be selected for the award, one of the most celebrated academic scholarships in the world. Earlier this year, Tora earned a master\u2019s degree in public policy from Oxford and is currently studying part-time to earn a second master\u2019s degree in international human rights law while furthering her humanitarian work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tora said the values that were instilled in her from her Earlham education guide her team as they expand their outreach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOur work is really driven by the values of an Earlham education, including integrity, community and peace and justice,\u201d Tora said. \u201cWe\u2019re not only supporting people who are vulnerable, but we are supporting Afghan civilians who are working with integrity and courage to stand up for justice. Afghans are going through a difficult time and it\u2019s important that we work in solidarity with them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n