In collaboration with partners supporting refugees and exiles across France, including MADERA (Mission d'Aide au Développement des Economies) and AFRANE (Amite Franco-Afghane), the Afghan Voices of Hope exhibit traveled to Salle de la Legion d’Honnuer in Saint Denis as part of a two-day event featuring Afghan music, arts, and culture. On day two, Afghan Voices of Hope Director Gaisu Yari moderated a roundtable discussion on reflections and experiences of Afghan exiles living in France and the events of August 2021 as part of a conference on Afghanistan, exiles, and integration. Participants included Afghan Voices of Hope storytellers Farzana (award-winning actress), Mina (small business entrepreneur) and Younis (actor andcomedian).

Also noteworthy is an example of the direct impact storytelling can have on the lives of people. Mina was a successful entrepreneur who owned a popular café in Kabul until she evacuated toFrance in August 2021. After learning about Mina’s emotional story, representatives from the French NGO Yes Akademia identified her as a promising young candidate for a competitive fellowship program through its Press Start initiative, a year-long training and mentorship opportunity with programs on responsible entrepreneurship, leadership, and international solidarity. Mina was recently awarded the fellowship and will begin the first immersive two-week training in Tunisia this August. Until very recently, opening up a new café in France seemed like a dream for Mina. She is now on a path forward to making it become a reality.The storytellers are rebuilding their lives in France, both personally and professionally. They stand in solidarity to fight for Afghanistan’s democratic future.