How does growing up in a refugee camp influence one’s identity and aspirations? Can education bridge cultural divides and create a sense of community in times of political upheaval?

Meet Our Guest: Daud Jalal
Daud Jalal is a Fellow at the Pallas Foundation, a policy professional with a passion for diversity, community building, and education. Born in a refugee camp in Pakistan, Daud’s journey spans the cultural complexities of Pashtun identity, navigating education systems in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and transitioning to a new life in the United States. At Georgetown University, he gained profound insights into the role of diversity and interfaith dialogue in fostering understanding and hope.

The Journey from Displacement to Aspiration
In this episode, Daud shares his remarkable journey, from his early education shaped by rote learning in Pakistan to experiencing liberal education in Afghanistan and the U.S. He reflects on the challenges of cultural adjustment, the complexities of Pashtun identity, and the struggles of navigating the visa process. Through his time at Georgetown and the Abrahamic House, Daud has explored how interfaith dialogue and diverse educational experiences can foster growth and community.

This conversation is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit, the transformative power of education, and the importance of cultural understanding in shaping a hopeful future for Pakistan and Afghanistan.