Our Story
Turning Impossibility into Reality
Our story begins with Alyas Omeed — a human rights activist, educator, policy analyst, accessibility strategist, and author — whose life journey is a powerful testament to resilience, determination, and hope. With deep knowledge and firsthand experience in the nonprofit and charitable sector, Alyas decided to establish a charity in Canada dedicated to supporting immigrants, refugees, and newcomers. His passion was shaped by his own experiences as both an immigrant and refugee in Canada.
But Alyas’s vision didn’t stop there. Living with a visual impairment, he also committed his efforts to advancing inclusion and support for people with disabilities. His personal experiences navigating life as a blind individual have empowered him to speak authentically and advocate effectively for both the immigrant and disability communities.
Despite the trauma of losing his eyesight at the age of 7 during the 1992 Civil War in Kabul, Afghanistan — when a grenade exploded in his family home — Alyas refused to give up on life. Instead, he turned obstacles into opportunities. His story of perseverance, optimism, and strength has inspired people in Afghanistan, Canada, and around the world.
Alyas Omeed is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Hope Giving Organization (CHGO) — a charity that supports immigrants, refugees, and persons with disabilities in Canada to achieve meaningful social inclusion and full participation in society. The organization reflects Alyas’s lifelong mission: to help the vulnerable, reach the unreached, and empower others to make life work — echoing his personal slogan:
“Life works for you if you would like to make it work.”
He is a proud graduate of the University of British Columbia, where he earned two bachelor’s degrees — one in Sociology and the other in Teacher Education. He later completed his Master of Arts in Public Policy and Administration at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University).
In addition to his work in Canada, Alyas has contributed to international development and human rights efforts. He has worked with numerous global organizations, including the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission, and has been involved in education projects in Thailand and Afghanistan. One of his most notable initiatives was the establishment of a private school for girls in Kabul, created during a time when educational opportunities for women were under constant threat.
Alyas is frequently invited to speak at community events, conferences, and educational forums where he shares his personal journey as a blind person, refugee, and global advocate. His story sheds light on the barriers people face — from discrimination in employment to social exclusion — and how he has overcome them with courage and faith.
His memoir, titled “Turning Impossibility into Reality: A Journey Beyond Limits,” recounts the powerful moments of his life — from surviving war to navigating asylum, building a life in Canada, and fighting for the rights of others.
His impact has not gone unnoticed. Alyas has received multiple scholarships and awards for his leadership and advocacy. Most recently, he was honored with the Newcomers Recognition Award from the Local Immigration Partnership of the County of Simcoe.
Through his life and work, Alyas Omeed embodies the spirit of resilience. His journey continues to inspire a new generation of leaders, change-makers, and dreamers who dare to turn impossibilities into reality.
Alyas Omeed