SAIFURAHMAN AYAR LEMAR
The Taliban tried to kill him. Not once, but four times. While they left him with permanent injuries, Saifurahman Ayar Lemar is a perfect example of the human spirit’s unyielding resilience. The first time he was injured, decades ago, he lost most of his right hand. Rather than give in to despair, the Taliban’s relentless pursuit of silencing dissent forged a resolve to expose the brutal reality of the Taliban’s rule, and motivated Saifurahman to pursue a career in Journalism. Throughout the nearly two-decade-long conflict in Afghanistan, Saifurahman worked tirelessly as a journalist while also providing crucial support to U.S. military forces as an interpreter.
The year 2021 brought seismic changes to Afghanistan as the Taliban regained control, and American troops withdrew. Because of his work as both a Journalist and with the U.S. military, Saifurahman’s life was in serious, immediate danger. Fortunately, he, his wife, and two children were able to escape, thanks to his work with the military along with his connections here in the United States.
With the resilience that has defined his life, Saifurahman wasted no time in building a new life here in Denver. He swiftly enrolled in English classes at Emily Griffith and, in just two short years, he now works full-time as a Case Manager for Jewish Family Services, helping other refugees navigate the complex resettlement process. In addition, he is enrolled in part-time courses in Emily Griffith's Multimedia & Video Production program. After graduation, he plans to continue his journalism career in the United States, harnessing the skills he is gaining at Emily Griffith to report and produce news stories that resonate with local, national, and global audiences. His ultimate goal is to share his own remarkable story and those of individuals who have faced similar trials, all in an effort to expose the Taliban's brutal regime to the world. Saifurahman intends to send a resounding message to the Taliban: their attempts to extinguish his life have only fueled his determination, and made him an even stronger force for truth and justice.
Saifurahman is grateful for all the opportunities he has had since landing in Denver, including all that Emily Griffith has offered him. In addition to taking English classes before enrolling in the Multimedia & Video Production certificate program, he has been awarded scholarships and 360 Funds to help him persist through his Multimedia & Video Production program. He is also a participant in a pilot program in which students receive ongoing, monthly non-tuition stipends until they complete their programs.
Saifurahman works full-time to support his wife and two young children, and says scholarships and 360 Funds are a big part of what has made it possible for him to pursue his certificate at Emily Griffith; the support not only alleviates the financial burden of tuition but also provides assistance with course materials, daily living expenses, transportation, and other costs.
Saifurahman’s instructors, Heidi Eversley and John Popovich, say that he is one of the top students in this year’s Multimedia & Video Production cohort. “Saifurahman is an extremely successful student because he is highly motivated, open to new experiences and topics, and understands well that diligent work leads to knowledge, expertise, and ultimately opportunity. We are honored to have Saifurahman in the Multimedia & Video Production program, and happy to be part of his educational journey here in Colorado,” said Heidi.
John echoed Heidi’s remarks and added, “Despite facing challenges, Saifurahman demonstrates the utmost respect for his peers and instructors in the classroom, setting an example for all of us.”
The support that Emily Griffith Foundation provides to students at Emily Griffith Technical College is more than just financial aid—it offers a beacon of hope and represents an investment in the potential of remarkable individuals like Saifurahman who are transforming their lives through education and career training.