Building a Community Without Borders

University can feel lonely, but it doesn’t have to be. WaTa’awanu exists to break the isolation many Shiite students feel on Western campuses.

In our faith, believers are meant to strengthen one another. This program gives practical shape to that duty by bringing Shiite youth into real companionship and mutual support.

Misbah Trust is building a structured, global network that connects you with peers facing the same questions about identity, career and integration. Through meetups, webinars, trips and dedicated networking
events, we help you form a network that becomes a practical resource for your life; a place where you can learn from others’ experiences, swap strategies and find your people, no matter where you are in the world.

The Challenge: Scattered & Disconnected

Too often, Shiite students are spread thin across campuses with small or non-existent communities. You might be the only one in your dorm, or even your major, who understands your background. Without a way to find each other, talented students can spend years in isolation, missing out on the friendship and solidarity that make university easier. This fragmentation weakens us all, leaving you without the network that helps others get ahead.

What Misbah Trust Provides

We create meaningful ways for you to connect and think collectively about our place in the world.

• International Gatherings. We bring students together from across the US and Europe for real cultural exchange and thoughtful conversations about culture and belonging.
• Global Webinars. Regular virtual sessions that connect you across time zones to debate the current issues facing our community worldwide.
• Educational Trips. Curated travel experiences designed to deepen your understanding of your heritage while bonding with peers who are on the same path.
• Networking Events. Private, respectful gatherings for students and professionals looking for meaningful introductions within a trusted network of shared values.
• Real Talk. Focused sessions on the political and social challenges shaping Shiite life in the West, giving you the space to ask the hard questions.

Community Voices

The Voices of Light Podcast
Listen in as our students from different countries speak openly about their studies, their identity and their lives. It’s honest, unscripted and real.

Strength Through Connection

This program matters because it turns scattered individuals into a powerful, coherent network. When you realize you are part of something bigger, your confidence grows. These connections aren’t just for now, they create pathways for mentorship, collaboration and professional opportunities that can change your career. Misbah Trust is turning your temporary university years into the foundation for a lifelong network.