Amena’s Journey: A Story of Hope and a New Life
- No One Left Behind
- Aug 16
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 21
My name is Amena Saddat, a woman who once lived in Afghanistan, where I worked for eight years as a teacher at a public school. Those years were full of love, learning, and peace. Every day felt like a precious gift to me.
But life doesn’t always go the way we hope.
When the Taliban came, everything changed. The peace and joy disappeared. As a woman, I faced discrimination and fear. I was forced to stay at home. My days and nights were full of tears and pain. I felt like I had lost all hope.
Many times I wanted to give up. But deep inside, a small voice kept telling me to keep going.
After three years of suffering, life gave me another chance. I was able to get a special immigrant visa because of my work with USAID’s Women in Government project. I was able to come to the United States, a place where I could breathe again and feel alive.
On this difficult journey, a kind organization called No One Left Behind helped me. They paid for my flight and supported me when I had nothing. They gave me hope again.
I arrived on March 20, 2025. In America, I found another group called SDRT. They help refugee children with education. I became a volunteer there and taught children who, like me, had lost their homes. For two months, I worked with them and gave them love and hope. This experience gave me a new meaning in life.
My story is the story of a woman who didn’t give up, even in the hardest moments. I told myself: “This is not the end. Life goes on.”
Today, I am Amena, a woman who still knows how to smile and teach, even with all her pain and scars. A woman who believes that every day is a new chance to start again.
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**Amena has since been hired as a paraeducator in a middle school.
I started working at L- Middle School on August 12, and it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. From the very first day, I felt a warm welcome that made me forget any feeling of homesickness. Being in a school environment again fills me with joy and purpose. I truly feel like I’m in the best place I could possibly be, surrounded by supportive people and doing the work I love.
I would like to give special thanks to our principal, Mr. J.P, for his kindness and guidance in helping me adjust to the American school environment. I am also deeply grateful to all the school staff for their cooperation and support.
No One Left Behind is launching an urgent campaign to fund 100 evacuation flights for Afghan allies still in danger.
Each plane ticket is more than a flight; it is a life changed forever.
Will you help us change 100 more lives?
