• info@afghanadvantage.org
  • en
Join a Class
Get Involved
Join a Class
Get Involved
Join a Class
Get Involved

Compass Connection

Navigating Independence

Our work

Three programs.
One continuous path.

Compass Connection →  Self-Reliance

Building momentum for lifelong learning and exploration

What is Compass Connection

Learning By Doing

Compass Connection turns literacy into action. Advancing Pods Literacy students, graduates, and friends apply their English, literacy, and life skills in real-world settings—building the confidence to navigate and contribute to their communities, pursue education and employment, and solve everyday challenges more independently. The program meets twice monthly through an interactive Zoom workshop and a community field trip. For many participants, Compass Connection is filled with firsts.

HOW IT WORKS

New places. New skills. New possibilities.

LEARN

· Practical knowledge for daily life

Practical knowledge for daily life Interactive Zoom workshops introduce topics needed to navigate life in the U.S.—banking, employment, education, driving, immigration rights, benefits, digital resources, public systems, and community services.

EXPLORE

· Learn by doing

Learn by doing Field trip participants practice speaking English, ride buses, light rail and ferries, visit libraries, museums, colleges, performances, workplaces, and civic spaces, to become comfortable exploring independently.

CONNECT

· A trusted bridge to resources

A trusted bridge to resources Community navigation with one-on-one support applying for jobs, benefits, classes, or other programs. Participants learn how to research solutions using the AA+ digital resource library.

MOVE FORWARD

· Education, employment‍, & leadership

Education, employment‍, and leadership Graduates stay connected with their support system and pursue goals of community college, a driver’s license, employment, and more. They empower others as peer mentors — inviting daughters and friends to join.

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

Confidently Contributing to Community

Shared experiences create friendship, belonging, and a trusted support network that reduces social isolation and improves mental health. Confidence comes from exploring community alongside other women—discovering the joy of navigating new experiences.

Women practice managing everyday responsibilities outside the home—shopping, banking, making appointments, navigating public transportation, communicating with schools, finding community resources, and working toward goals. When women are self-reliant, families gain greater flexibility to share responsibilities, pursue higher education, improve employment, and expand socio-economic standing.

CELEBRATING FIRSTS

celebrating Firsts

“The museum was even bigger than I expected. Seeing art from Washington and around the world made me want to learn more about the history and cultures around me.” – Fazila

“I never came into downtown Seattle before. It was my first time going somewhere without my family. I never traveled with other women in my home country. Now I can.”– Latifa

I brought my daughter on the university tour. She is a good student. I dreamed of going to school when I was young, but didn’t have the opportunity to study until now. I teach my children that education is important. – Zaro

My daughter has a lot of health problems. Afghan Advantage always provides important information I can use when I go to the hospital with her.  I need to understand money and bills. Before the field trip I never entered a bank. I asked a lot of questions.  – Malali

We visited a Farmers Market in Seattle and learned how to get extra money for vegetables with SNAP and Farm Bucks. I’m excited to tell my husband and friends about this. I will help teach the next zoom class about it. – Nafisa

A big group of us went to the world premiere at the Seattle Opera about women in Afghanistan called A Thousand Splendid Suns. I was overwhelmed. It was sad but beautiful. Afterwards we met with Sheila Silver who created the music to this opera which was based on Khaled Hosseini’s bestselling novel

“How do you know that?”- I tell everyone that I learned it in my Compass Zoom class. I look forward to Zoom every month because we learn new ways to solve our own problems. My husband watches our children when I go on the field trips. That is new for him. I feel so happy and proud to be in this group. – Madina

My teachers met with me to make a resume and apply for a job. It was my first one. After Pods class and going on field trips and asking questions, I felt ready. I was really nervous but they told me I could do it.

Join us

Empower
women, transform communities.

Our long waitlist reflects a rapidly growing demand for services; your support enables us to reach more Afghan women—eager to learn, build confidence, and create better futures for themselves and their families.

Get involved
Sponsor a student
Amazon Wishlist
  • 501(c)(3) · Tax-deductible
  • Volunteer &/or donate

Stay connected

Stories, impact updates, and ways to help —  in your inbox.

 Brief updates from the field

  • We never share your address. Unsubscribe with one click.