Partnering for Progress
Class of 2023 at Bukhara Restaurant (July 2024)
“Hamkaran,” meaning “Partners” in Persian, perfectly encapsulates the spirit of our initiative. This program is designed to create a close-knit community of talented students who can act as catalysts for both individual and community development throughout their educational journey and beyond.
A key element of the program is FEDAA funding monthly luncheons at restaurants of the Scholars’ choice. These gatherings allow students to get to know each other better, fostering strong connections that enable mutual support and engender lifelong friendships. Scholars also create chat groups to establish a robust support system for discussing school life, courses, challenges, and issues they face, ensuring that no one has to navigate their educational journey alone. The positive impact on the students is evident as they grow more confident, connected, and prepared to tackle future challenges.
Class of 2022 enjoyed lunch at Kunduz Kabab Central Restaurant (April 2024)
There are now two Hamkaran cohorts for the Class of 2022 and Class of 2023. We continually receive terrific feedback from Scholars who are grateful for and supportive of this program.
During their monthly luncheons, the Hamkaran team captain (nominated by their peers) facilitates discussions on a range of personal, academic, and social topics. The gatherings provide a welcome break from the rigors of academic life, where students enjoy sharing meals, laughing, and participating in fun activities, which helps them unwind and recharge.
Over the past 6 months, our two cohorts have discussed a range of topics.
Here are some of the discussion topics and responses provided by the Scholars:
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Scholar 1: Since we are selected for FEDAA scholarships, our role is to do a good representation of FEDAA organization in our class, university, village and entire country. Our responsibility, since we are students, is to be highly committed for self-development and to enhance our capacity in our own fields.
Scholar 2: We need to help FEDAA to achieve their missions and for now our responsibility is study hard in order to bring big changes in the future.
Scholar 3: Our role and responsibilities toward FEDAA is to get high scores in subjects, and being a good representative of FEDAA in Afghanistan as far as they choose us so we have to be the best example of FEDAA scholars. -
We all agreed upon the motto of Kardan University as it says (“Stay in the country to make our country”), (بمانیم تا بسازیم).
Scholar 1: During the semesters, I have participated in several extracurricular activities, organized in our university by Volunteers Club of Kardan, Political Science Club and other outside institutions like Institute of Diplomacy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tolo News TV. These activities gave me somewhat knowledge of leadership and negotiation skills.
Scholar 2: From the time that I entered Kardan University my computer skills are improved and I now am able to create some Software and Websites. -
Scholar 1: Mantoo (editor's note: ground beef dumplings topped with yogurt and mint sauce)
Scholar 2: Qabuli Palow (editor's note: browned long grain rice, mixed with julienned carrots, raisins, toasted pine nuts, pistachios and almonds)
Scholar 3: Kebab (editor's note: skewered marinated chunks of tender chicken, lamb or beef, barbecued over a hot flame)
Scholar 4: Osh (editor's note: yogurt-based homemade noodle soup)
Scholar 5: Pizza (editor's note: whole wheat crust laden with any fresh produce toppings and/or available meat)
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Scholar 1: Farhad Darya, Ahmad Zahir
Scholar 2: Ijaz Ufaq
Scholar 3: Javid Amirkhail
Class of 2023 at their first Hamkaran lunch together (January 2024)
The Hamkaran program not only supports students academically but also helps them develop the interpersonal skills and networks essential for their future roles as leaders.
“The Hamkaran program has been a lifeline for me. It has given me a community of friends and mentors who have made my college experience enriching and fulfilling.”
