
In The Boy at the Back of the Class, by Onjali Q. Rauf, five students learn they can make a difference and the value of friendship. Ahmet is a new student in school, he is a 9 year old Syrian refugee. This is the story of how he becomes friends with Alexa, Michael, Josie, and Tom. Ahmet continually shows his bravery as he learns to adapt to a new place and to trust his new friends. Alexa, Michael, Josie and Tom learn that they can speak out and stand up and that friendship is a joy no matter the differences. In this book, there were both children and adults that were unkind, something that we come across on a daily basis. However, the five main characters found ways to stand up to those that were unkind. They learned that by talking to helpful and kind adults around them, they could make plans and make a difference. This book would make a great read-aloud for 8 to 12 year olds and would provide for lots of discussion about how to be a friend and specifically how to support refugee friends. The book ends with several helpful pages of questions to consider and offers ideas of how individuals can help with the current refugee crisis. For other options to find ways to help visit: https://tsosrefugees.org/blog/2021/08/16/how-you-can-help-our-afghan-allies
Georgetown Law Professor Presents “Know Your Rights”
Allowing Newcomers to Work Helps, Not Hinders, The Economy
There are many misconceptions about the effects newcomers have on the economy. Granting newcomers formal labor market access actually helps improve the economy, current citizens job opportunities, and newcomer’s livelihoods.
One Does Not Choose to Become a Refugee
A refugee reflects on integration and how she feels like her heart is in two places at once. She loves her new city, but Kabul will always be the city of her dreams.