Immigrants

New U.S. citizens

New U.S. citizens stand with their teacher, Paul-Andre Mondesir, AFSC’s Haitian community social advocate.

In November, just a week after the U.S. presidential election in which immigration issues played a prominent role, over 200 Miami-area residents gathered together to celebrate their new status as U.S. citizens.

Each student took the stage to shake the hand of their teacher, Paul-Andre Mondesir, AFSC’s Haitian community social advocate, who guided them through the complex path to becoming a citizen in the twice-weekly class he teaches in a tiny strip mall storefront.

Let's Learn NC logo

Tuesday, February 5 marked the launch of a new campaign seeking college tuition equality for all North Carolina students. Let’s Learn NC is all about fairness, opportunity and equal access to education. The group advocates for the same college tuition for all North Carolina students, because higher education should be equally accessible to all state residents.

Eugene Kiruhura

Eugene Kiruhura displays his citizenship certificate outside Friends House in Des Moines.

“High fashion” is not a common sight in the Des Moines office of AFSC. On a recent afternoon, however, Eugene Kiruhura walked into our lobby sporting a smile as sparkling as his snappy attire.

Hawo at NGFS

Students shared opinions on immigration after small group discussions.

High school is often a time of judgment and isolation. At New Garden Friends School, where the students are encouraged to accept their differences and create a loving community, discrimination can sometimes feel like a distant notion. Last Friday, the NGFS Upper Division took time out of their weekly all-school meeting for worship to let us share a film and open up conversation about prejudice and tolerance.

Annah Awartani

Annah Awartani, owner of Zaytoon Restaurant, hospitality greeted a gracious crowd, hungry for food and personal connection.

Viewing of “Hawo’s Dinner Party” an adaptation of the documentary Welcome to Shelbyville.

Dayton Game 2011

On July 2, bright yellow and crisp white T-shirts marked two teams vying for a win on the soccer field.  For the second year, AFSC’s Dayton (Ohio) Refugee Justice Program sponsored a tournament for young refugees from Africa.  Their home countries include Burundi, Rwanda, Sudan, Eritrea,  the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Ghana.  More than 60 participants appreciated the opportunity to play their favorite sport and to share their experiences in the greater Dayton area.