When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamison and Omar Mohamed
This graphic novel is heartwarming and heartbreaking all at once. The story of two brothers from Somalia who have spent the majority of their lives alone in a refugee camp in Kenya. One brother is nonverbal and has several other health problems. This is the story of how they survive life in a refugee camp and how they find hope. I loved how accessible this book was. It was a quick, easy read appropriate for those around 8 years old and up. It did discuss hard truths such as days without food, but Omar always manages to come back to hope. I appreciated the focus on the importance of education and the difficulties of obtaining it. This book is a great book to help even young children gain perspective about how difficult life can be for a refugee. The one aspect I wish was different, was that the book ended as soon as Omar and Hassan are resettled. It gives the impression that once a refugee is resettled, their problems are over, which is not usually the case. I wish it had continued to tell the story of resettlement. This is definitely a book you will want to pick up.
Slam the Islamophobia
The Emerald Project is a Utah-based organization that carefully designs dialogues to engage with non-Muslims to make Salt Lake Valley a more welcoming home to Muslims. As many of our refugee friends belong to the Muslim faith, we applaud opportunities that foster understanding and were pleased to support The Emerald Project’s 3rd annual “Slam the Islamophobia” event on February 15th.
Invisible Barriers and Battles: The Mental Health Impact on Refugees
Refugees often risk their lives crossing deserts, jungles, and oceans all in the search for shelter, freedom, or happiness. Yet, even once they’ve reached physical safety, mental mountains emerge that make daily life an uphill climb. At the November 2022 conference for the Utah Chapter of the Society for Public Health Education (USOPHE), presenters Shurooq Al Jewari and Sasha Sloan discussed mental health and inclusion, focusing on immigrants and refugees.
Reclaiming Lost Traditions
Holidays are an important time to include newcomers. Newcomers are often aching for the traditions and holiday magic they knew at home - and the connections with family and friends. The Garcias* came from a strong family and community that knew generous and giving holiday traditions. I knew, when I met our new friends from Venezuela, the rich bond we would have; this was a kindred spirit family. Even though we have been bad at communicating (Google Translate is such a false hope), it was easy to find connections that helped us love each other.