A Bit About Us

Y'AAL Houston is a student-founded nonprofit that supports Afghan refugee students and families as they build new lives in Houston, Texas. Our mission is to provide educational support, mentorship, and advocacy while helping refugee families feel welcomed, connected, and confident in their new community.

For the past six years, we have provided individualized tutoring and mentorship in English, math, and reading while helping students adjust to American schools, build confidence, practice English in everyday settings, and navigate the social and cultural challenges of starting over in a new country.

Our work extends far beyond tutoring. We help families enroll in school, communicate with teachers, prepare for the school year, and understand the U.S. education system. We accompany families to school fairs, community events, and back-to-school programs, assist with grocery shopping and other everyday needs, celebrate milestones together, and connect families with educational and local resources. Above all, we strive to build lasting relationships that help families feel at home in their new community.

To expand educational opportunities, we have raised more than $15,000 to provide laptops, books, calculators, backpacks, school supplies, and other educational resources, helping ensure every student has the tools they need to succeed.

Ad well as that, Aatira Shah created and hosts Unlocked Voices, a podcast that amplifies the stories and perspectives of Afghan refugees. Through interviews and conversations, the podcast explores education, resettlement, cultural identity, and the experience of rebuilding life in a new country. What began with helping one family has grown into a nonprofit dedicated to supporting Afghan refugee students through education, mentorship, and advocacy.