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Refugee Relief
By Sarah Wright
In international education, we often refer to the skills and knowledge that students gain from traveling. We know they are immense, and we generally focus on communication, connection, and some other traditional standbys. However, the most important skill students and all travelers can acquire is empathy. Empathy and understanding are related, but empathy goes a step further than understanding in that we are able to place ourselves in the situations that others face and endure. Gaining that skill is imperative for a peaceful humanity and global collaboration and cooperation.
Students often visit the Epic Museum in Dublin when we study abroad in Ireland, and there are many references to Irish emigration. People rarely choose to leave their home without cause. Tuesday, there was a presentation on campus that helped highlight the very real circumstances, consequences, and aftermath of the movement of people from their homes to escape danger.
Fatima Nadeem, in cooperation with the Intercultural Club and Storm Forward, is leading a drive for Refugee Relief. Part of those efforts included an interactive event on Tuesday that included simulations. Additionally, you can find drop off locations in the International Education office, Love, and Brooks for hygiene products to be distributed to refugees who are relocated to the triad region. When you do your weekly shopping, pick up a product or two for a new neighbor who is likely enduring one of the most difficult seasons of their life. Providing access to hygiene products can restore a little dignity to their lives. Think about your situation—in most cases only the very real threat of death would lead you to leave your home (knowing you could likely never return.)
Stop by one of the locations on campus and drop off shampoo, body wash and soap, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrush, feminine hygiene products, brushes, combs, and the like. Let's practice our empathy and make a difference in the lives of those who need us.
Great work, Fatima!
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