Chai & Chat

In 2023, Chai and Chat began at East High School in Salt Lake City, Utah. Utah has welcomed a growing number of refugees in recent years, but schools often struggle to meet the unique needs of newcomers. Afghan students at East High, in particular, faced challenges ranging from language barriers and cultural misunderstandings to a lack of spaces for prayer. Some were failing classes, losing scholarship opportunities, and even getting into fights as they tried to navigate a completely new environment.

To address this gap, I launched Chai and Chat as a safe, welcoming space for Afghan students to gather twice a month. I brought tea, dates, and other Afghan snacks, which helped students feel instantly at home. Speaking their language allowed me to build trust, and over time, the sessions became a bridge between the students and their school. We discussed their challenges, connected them to resources, and shared strategies for succeeding in the American education system.

The results were transformative. Fights and conflicts stopped, and students began focusing on their studies. They improved in English, built confidence, and learned how to access support systems within the school. With advocacy through the program, East High also introduced a prayer room, which gave students a sense of dignity and belonging.

By the end of the 1.5-year project, Afghan students at East High were not just surviving but thriving. Several graduated at the top of their classes, while others joined extracurriculars—one even winning a state championship in wrestling. Chai and Chat showed that with trust, cultural understanding, and a little tea, schools can turn moments of struggle into stories of resilience and achievement.