Refugees

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. 

Somali and Kenyan Youth Exchange

Somali and Kenyan youth visit Kibera, the world's largest slum to learn about the work of youth organizations working for change.  For more pictures view the slideshow.

AFSC held an 8-day exchange between 47 Somali and Kenya youth to promote constructive dialogue.  Participants learned from each other’s experiences of youth employment, sports as a tool for development, and the promotion of human rights. The program was included partnerships with a Somaliland youth organization and a Kenyan youth program. 

After visits to both Nairobi and North Eastern Kenya the youth left with a greater awareness and understanding of the dilemmas facing youth today and a drive to promote sharing and change in their communities.

Rep. Weyler receives UP letter

Rep. Kenneth Weyler, who chairs the House-Senate Conference Committee considering New Hampshire's two-year budget, exchanges views with Augustin Ntabaganyimana, Narapati Poudyal, and Judy Elliott.

In a letter delivered this morning to members of the House-Senate budget conference committee,  thirty-four New Hampshire advocacy and human service organizations called for restoration of funds for the Unemployed Parents (UP) Program, which provides direct assistance and employment training to more than 250 families in which both parents are unemployed or under-employed.

Umjoa Afrika Cup Team Picture

Refugees from Kenya, Burundi, and Senegal enjoyed a friendly soccer tournament in Dayton, OH.

The Dayton Refugee Justice program took advantage of the World Cup-induced soccer fever to sponsor a unique event: The Umoja Afrika Cup tournament on June 12, 2010.

More than 50 young people from Burundi, Kenya and Senegal participated in a round robin style tournament, buoyed by sheer excitement and unfazed by rain, reported Migwe Kimemia, program director. “The Burundian refugees were extremely excited as this was their first such experience since they arrived in Dayton about two years ago,“ he said. “It got even more exciting after they upset the Kenyan team by 7 goals to 2.”