Help Baset's Afghan Family Re-Settle in Kansas

Ahmad “Baset” Azizi grew up in Afghanistan, with a loving, open-minded family. His primary school was in front of the Afghanistan Ministry of Internal Affairs, a favorite target of the Taliban. He sometimes saw blood and body parts in the streets and inside the school, a sight that is hard for a child to comprehend. Fearing for his safety, his parents asked if he wanted to attend music school. Baset started studying at the Afghanistan National Institute of Music in Kabul. At the time, Baset had never seen a trumpet. Yet, by 2013, he was the principal trumpet in the National Orchestra. With the support of many generous people and Baset's hard work, he was able to attend Interlochen Arts Academy, in Michigan. Baset graduated with honors on May 27, 2017, and was accepted by the University of Kansas School of Music. He graduated from the University of Kansas with degrees in Political Science, Global and International Studies, and Music with minors in Middle East Studies and Intelligence and National Security Studies.

Baset’s father served and assisted the United States and NATO military efforts in Afghanistan over the past 20 years. Due to the recent pullout of the United States military, Baset’s father immediately became a target for Taliban retribution due to his cooperation with the United States and NATO. On August 24, 2021, Baset’s parents and three sisters (ages 14, 18, and 27) were able to escape Afghanistan through evacuation efforts at the Kabul airport.

They left everything (house, furnishings, clothing, bank accounts) behind and are starting a new life in Kansas. We invite you to generously support this GoFundMe project to help Baset’s family get established and settled in their new home.

The average refugee resettlement process often requires 2 years to allow the individuals to learn a new language, adjust to the different norms, find a job sufficient to support their family, and establish permanent housing, etc. Baset’s family is needing help to cover the following expenses: their travel from Dubai to the United States (approximately $10,000), housing, furnishings, clothing, transportation, and the many costs related to daily living. We estimate these costs over the next year to total approximately $70,000.

“Having known Baset over the past 4 years, it is a privilege for my wife and I to give our full endorsement of this fund-raising effort. Baset has become very much a member of our family, we look forward to “adopting” the rest of his family. If you have any questions about this project, please do not hesitate to message in the comments section of this campaign" …Steve Sizemore

Please join us as we welcome and support Baset’s family.