Muqtader Zahid says that he has wanted to help others, especially those who are unjustly disadvantaged. “Coming from a family who were once refugees due to the Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan, I feel a personal connection with the many unfortunate people that struggle through a war they have no part in.”

Serving as president of his school’s chapter of UNICEF, Muqtader has helped organize campaigns to assist children around the globe, whether victims of war or other pressing issues such as poverty or access to clean water. Last year the club joined a school supplies drive to collect items for a free school built for underprivileged children in The Gambia, a tiny country in West Africa. As a UNICEF UNITE volunteer, Muqtader met with congressional officials to promote sponsorships and laws relevant to UNICEF’s agenda.

Muqtader volunteered to help Afghan refugee families who came to the US following the Taliban takeover and were having a difficult time adjusting. He helped reduce cultural and linguistic barriers by acting as a translator, sharing information about the culture of American society, helped them fill out forms for schools and social services, and accompanied them on visits to the doctor. He is pleased that all the families are now thriving and living independent lives. Muqtader says, “Seeing the positive results of my assistance has encouraged me to do more of what I love: empowering the disadvantaged to stand on their own feet.”

Salwa and Sumaya Zahid, sisters of Muqtader, each received a Student Peace Award for founding and being active members of Spartans for War Victims (SWV), a student organization dedicated to assisting civilians suffering from the effects of war which currently has over 40 members. Muqtader is now the president of the club, organizing numerous humanitarian and advocacy projects and awareness workshops, including their annual winter clothing drive. This year they collected over 500 garments to send to a Syrian refugee camp in Jordan.