Upcoming events
A New Dawn Brunch Benefit for Afghanistan
Join Sahar Education for A New Dawn Brunch Benefit for Afghanistan, a special fall gathering in support of women and girls in Afghanistan. Together, we will share a beautiful brunch at the Mt Baker Rowing & Sailing Center, enjoy live music and community connection, and raise vital funds to support Sahar Education’s program delivery in 2027.
Guests will enjoy a thoughtfully prepared brunch featuring Afghan-inspired dishes and sweets. Sabz Matcha will also be on-site selling Afghan-inspired matcha, and a henna artist will offer beautiful henna designs for attendees.
The event will include a musical performance and remarks from Zarifa Adiba, musician, author of Playing For Freedom, and Founder and Executive Director of the Zarifa Foundation. Zarifa made history as the youngest conductor to lead the All-Female Orchestra of Afghanistan at the World Economic Forum in Davos in 2017. A Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia honoree, Zarifa has spoken on global stages including the United Nations, TEDx AUCA, the Tory Burch Summit, and the World Economic Forum, advocating for girls’ education and the transformative power of art.
Guests will also have the opportunity to participate in an auction featuring wonderful prizes generously donated by our sponsors.
All proceeds from this event will support Sahar Education’s 2027 programs for women and girls in Afghanistan.
Important donation note: Payments made during the event will be subject to a 10% fee from Seattle Parks and Recreation. To ensure your full contribution supports our programs, we encourage guests to make donations ahead of the event or make a pledge during the event to be fulfilled afterward.
Hidden Classrooms Brunch
Hidden Classrooms: A Brunch for Afghan Girls is a special fundraising brunch taking place on Saturday, May 9th from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM at the Reception Room @ Cupertino Senior Center in Cupertino, California.
Hosted by Lakshmi Balakrishna, the event will feature special guest Meetra Alokozay, Executive Director, who will share powerful insights into the importance of underground schools in Afghanistan. As access to formal education remains severely restricted for Afghan girls, these hidden classrooms serve as lifelines—preserving hope, knowledge, and opportunity.
Guests will enjoy a thoughtfully curated brunch with light fare and delicious vegetarian options, alongside a live Afghan dance performance by Samia Karimi and meaningful conversation. Designed to be both uplifting and informative, the event creates space for community members to gather, learn, and support education initiatives that continue despite immense challenges.
Event Details:
📍 Reception Room @ Cupertino Senior Center
21251 Stevens Creek Boulevard
Cupertino, CA 95014
🗓 Saturday, May 9
⏰ 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Hidden Classrooms is more than a brunch—it is a call to stand in solidarity with Afghan girls and ensure that education continues, even when it must happen quietly and courageously.
Beyond the Ban: How Access to Education Is Being Sustained for Afghan Girls
Join Sahar for a timely and important virtual panel on April 2 at 6 PM PST focused on how Afghan girls continue to access education in the face of ongoing restrictions.
"Beyond the Ban: How Access to Education Is Being Sustained for Afghan Girls" brings together leaders working at the forefront of this effort. Meetra Alokozay, Executive Director of Sahar Education, will be joined by Nasir Kaihan, Founder and President of Alekain, and Mozhgan W Alokozai, Founder of Eagle Online Academy. Together, they will share insights on the challenges, innovations, and solutions helping Afghan girls continue learning.
This conversation will highlight the resilience of students and educators, as well as the critical role of global support in sustaining access to education.
The event is free and open to all. Register to attend.
A Night in Afghanistan Gala
Prepare for an enchanting night of culture, inspiration, and philanthropy at the “A Night in Afghanistan” Annual Gala, a premier fundraising event dedicated to supporting Sahar Education. The evening festivities will take place on September 25th, 2025, with check-in at 5:30 and programming until 8:00 pm at the Great Hall at Green Lake in Seattle.
Sahar-e-Adab Art Contest
You are invited to join this movement of expression and empowerment by participating in Sahar-e-Adab, a poetry, essay, and art contest hosted by Vellichor Literary in support of Sahar Education.
Volunteer Opportunity
Sahar Education is partnering with Epiphany Events as the nonprofit partner for the Venice is Sinking Masquerade Ball. This epic evening will feature performers, musicians, guests in their finest costumes and all drink sales profits will benefit Sahar Education.
We are searching for 4-8 volunteers (21+) to sell drink tickets at the event. You will work in shifts and be able to enjoy the event as well.
Requirements:
21+ with identification
Located in the greater Seattle Metro area
Have transportation to and from the event
A Night in Afghanistan, Annual Gala
Join us for an unforgettable evening at "A Night in Afghanistan Annual Gala," a fundraising event to benefit Sahar Education. On October 10, from 6 PM to 9 PM PST at Hugo House in Seattle, and live-streamed on YouTube, immerse yourself in Afghan culture while supporting a vital cause.
Another Year of Entrance Exams in Afghanistan Without Women
For the 3rd time since the Taliban takeover, in 2021, women in Afghanistan are barred from taking college entrance exams. There have been no new women trained as doctors, lawyers, or office managers in Afghanistan. Best-selling author, Nadia Hashimi joins Shogofa Amini of Sahar Education to discuss the toll this continued gender apartheid is taking on Afghan women. Join virtually at 5 pm PST or watch after the broadcast.
Legacy Sponsors
Michael and Patti Meyers Charitable Fund
Advocacy Sponsors
Impact Sponsors
Bar Sponsors
Basic Sponsors
Auction sponsors
Past sponsors
Thank you to all our sponsors who truly invest in girls’ education for a better world!
