Youth Empowerment Program

Afghan Health Initiative’s Youth Empowerment Program is dedicated to supporting immigrant and refugee youth as they navigate academic challenges, build community connections, and prepare for future opportunities. This program addresses critical gaps in academic support, mentorship, and life skills development, providing a foundation for success in school, career, and personal growth.

Program Benefits:

• Free Homework Help & Tutoring

Academic support is essential for youth from immigrant and refugee backgrounds who may face unique educational challenges. This program offers free tutoring to ensure they stay on track and excel in their studies.

• Monthly Field Trips

Field trips provide structured opportunities for youth to explore their community, learn in new environments, and foster friendships with peers who share similar experiences. These outings are designed to promote social integration and cultural enrichment.

• Workshops

Our workshops offer educational opportunities focused on college and career readiness, including college application support, FAFSA assistance, scholarship guidance, and skills development. These resources empower youth to pursue higher education and economic stability.

• Mentorship

Mentorship is a critical component of personal and professional growth. Youth in our program connect with mentors who offer guidance, inspiration, and insights, helping them set and achieve meaningful goals.

• Incentives and Free Gifts

We recognize the effort and commitment required to engage fully in personal development. Participants are rewarded with incentives and gifts to celebrate their milestones, reinforcing their achievements and fostering positive reinforcement.

Why This Program Matters

The Youth Empowerment Program directly supports Afghan Health Initiative’s mission to advance health, well-being, and economic opportunities for immigrant and refugee communities. Through culturally relevant academic support and mentorship, this program helps youth overcome systemic barriers, build resilience, and create a path toward economic and social mobility.

Join the Program!

We invite community members, partners, and funders to support our work in empowering the next generation. Together, we can create lasting change for immigrant and refugee youth, helping them reach their full potential.

Contact Information

Email: masooma@afghanhealth.org

Cannabis, Tobacco, and Vapor Prevention Program

In partnership with the Cannabis, Tobacco, and Vapor Prevention Program at Public Health Seattle & King County (PHSKC), Afghan Health Initiative is working to reduce youth cannabis, tobacco, and vapor use by addressing key protective and risk factors. This program empowers youth and their families through education, peer engagement, and community outreach, creating a safer, more informed environment.

Key Program Goals
This initiative focuses on:

-Reducing positive attitudes and expectations around substance use.

-Increasing positive attitudes and expectations toward abstaining from these substances.

-Reducing mental health distress and promoting non-substance coping skills.

-Strengthening school and community ties.

-Enhancing the positive influence of adults in the lives of youth.

Program Components

Youth Ambassador Development:
AHI will recruit three trusted Youth Ambassadors who will play a central role in prevention efforts. These ambassadors will educate peers, facilitate parent engagement events, lead youth projects, and launch informational and social media campaigns. Through their work, they will reach and educate their peers directly.

Peer Engagement and Education:
Youth Ambassadors will recruit additional participants into the Youth Social Support Program, each reaching 10 peers. Together with AHI staff, these youth will plan mini-projects and outreach strategies to build a broader youth support network.

Youth Mini-Projects:
Youth Ambassadors, with support from AHI, will lead mini-projects to educate their peers on healthy coping strategies and the harms of cannabis, tobacco, and vapor use. Projects may include peer surveys on coping methods, hosting "healthy coping" nights, and creating informative videos.

Parent Engagement:
AHI will educate parents of youth who use these products on safe storage practices, aiming to reach at least 50 families. This engagement helps reduce accidental youth access to these substances within homes.

Education and Outreach with Shopkeepers:
AHI will provide educational resources to local shopkeepers, including how to spot fake IDs, detect when an adult may be purchasing for a minor, and distribute informative pamphlets to enhance awareness within the community.

Why This Program Matters

The Cannabis, Tobacco, and Vapor Prevention Program plays a crucial role in promoting healthier choices among youth, creating a foundation for a safer and more resilient community. Through culturally relevant education and peer-led initiatives, this program supports AHI’s mission of advancing the well-being of immigrant and refugee communities by fostering a substance-free lifestyle for the next generation.