Generation Resilient is a local and global volunteer organization that began as a deeply personal pet project, but has blossomed into a powerful movement, inspired by the stark disparities in access to care across the globe.

Growing up, every time my father traveled to Bangladesh, he would return with heartwarming stories and photographs from the Islamic orphanages where he generously gave charity. These places nurtured children through their journey of memorizing the Quran, transforming them into Huffadh, “protectors of the Quran,” which is the highest honor one can achieve as a Muslim. I vividly remember my father expressing his wish, saying, "If Allah gave me more children, I wish they could all be Huffadh."

However, amidst the joy of those memories lay something far more poignant. He brought back images of young orphans, sitting on the cold cement floors of small, crowded rooms. Further, as I observed a growing number of male Huffadh, I couldn't help but notice the absence of girls in these orphanages.

It soon became clear that many girls were being turned away due to a lack of support, facilities, and coordination. Some of these girls were siblings or close relatives of the boys already enrolled. It was heartbreaking to hear stories of young boys saving portions of their already limited meals to take home to their sisters. As a girl and a Hafidha myself, raised by parents who were both orphans, the seed of compassion for these children, who were not much younger than me, quickly took root in my heart. I envisioned a safe, supportive orphanage where young girls could enjoy the same rights and opportunities as their male counterparts.

After the setbacks brought on by COVID-19, and thanks to the immense support from fundraising efforts and collaborations with countless organizations, Generation Resilient transformed this vision into reality by founding the first female empowerment orphanage in Kauniyakandi, Dhaka. This orphanage now boasts its own clinic and is developing a STEM education curriculum, laying the foundation for a brighter future for students. However, the demand for support in this sphere remains unending. Alongside a dedicated team of friends, we have collaborated to establish new shelters specifically for Rohingya refugees displaced by ethnic cleansing and genocide.

In the wake of the political unrest in Bangladesh this past summer, I shifted my efforts toward the tens of thousands of Afghan refugees in Alexandria, VA. After obtaining my EMT and Basic Life Support certification and officially working at Medstar Georgetown University Hospital for over a year, I gained invaluable clinical skills that I have repurposed to launch a health branch in partnership with Fresh Start Refugee Assistance Center. I hope to formalize partnerships among the various organizations I’ve worked with, including engaging the School of Health's student body, who find these volunteer opportunities particularly appealing due to their health focus.

Today, our volunteer base spans from just the inception of this project in 2018 in Bangladesh to passionate students with diverse experiences dedicated to our health initiatives. This journey would not have been possible without the unwavering support of my friends who have believed in this vision and tirelessly collaborated with me to bring our events to life.

Generation Resilient has withstood the challenges of the worst global pandemic of our lifetimes, political upheaval, or even financial barriers, all while evolving in alignment with my deepest interests and skills in medicine and healthcare. To complement this work with an academic foundation, I am currently taking a Global Health course with Dr. Shabab Wahid at Georgetown University, seeking a more culturally sensitive and comprehensive understanding of the refugee crisis. It is an understatement to say that Generation Resilient has grown alongside me.

From starting this organization at 14 years old to now being 20, these six years have truly embodied its name: the essence of resilience. I can’t wait to see the potential of our work in the future.

-Isra Satiar, Founder