Insights from the Afghan Refugee School Impact Grant Conference in Sacramento
On October 25th, 2024, Dr. Selin Nielsen, Friba Dawar, and Leen Kawas from the HMI team, attended the Afghan Refugee School Impact Grant Conference in Sacramento, where leaders, advocates, and educators gathered to address the critical needs of newcomer Afghan and Ukrainian communities in California. The event brought together remarkable individuals dedicated to supporting these families as they navigate resettlement, integration, and education in a new environment.
Reuniting with Colleagues and Making New Connections
It was a pleasure to reconnect with friends like Abdi Abdillahi, California's State Refugee Coordinator, and Said Aboyov from the San Diego Somali Bantu Association of America. Their work continues to inspire, especially as they guide and support refugee communities through complex challenges. The HMI team also had the chance to meet Elke Damesyn, who founded the Institute for English Literacy for Afghan girls in Afghanistan, and Dr. M. Sediq Hazratzai, Executive Director of the Center for Immigrant and Refugee Health (CIRH), who shared insightful strategies on fostering resilient refugee communities. Dr. Hazratzai’s background as a physician and refugee enriched his keynote, where he emphasized a holistic, health-centered approach to community-building.
California’s Regional Refugee Landscape
California has seen a significant influx of Afghan and Ukrainian refugees, with the most impacted regions being Northern California, the Bay Area, and Southern California. Between 2021 and 2024, California welcomed over 11,000 Afghan newcomers, and Ukrainians also arrived in large numbers through sponsorships, not as formal refugees. Statewide initiatives aim to support both groups, yet housing, language barriers, and access to basic services remain critical challenges.
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Office of Immigrant Youth (OIY) highlighted programs designed to aid refugee families, including:
Refugee School Impact Program
Youth Mentoring
Unaccompanied Refugee Minors
Opportunities for Youth
California Newcomer Education and Well-Being
Through these partnerships with local agencies and community organizations, CDSS aims to support youth and their families in overcoming hurdles like transportation, housing, and school integration.
Key Challenges: Housing, Job Readiness, and Access to Education
California has implemented housing support programs like the Afghan Support Investment Program (ASIP) and Housing Assistance for Ukrainians (HAU) to provide temporary relief through rent and utility assistance. However, housing remains the number one challenge for new arrivals, with programs falling short in meeting high demand. The Afghan Arrivals Job Readiness (AAJR) program is set to launch soon, expanding access to employment resources, a critical need for newcomers to achieve stability.
Holistic and Collaborative Approaches to Refugee Education
One of the standout presentations was by Amina Sheik Mohamed, Founding Director of the Refugee Health Unit at the Center for Community Health. Her talk outlined a comprehensive model to ensure inclusive education and wellness, particularly for Afghan and Ukrainian students. The program focuses on:
Community-Led Strengths-Based Learning
Culturally Adaptive Services
Coalition Building Across Regions
San Diego’s Refugee Communities Coalition exemplifies this collaborative approach. By focusing on shared goals rather than competition, they work to support refugee communities through pooled resources and coordinated efforts.
The Mental and Emotional Landscape for Refugee Students
Dr. Hazratzai shared critical insights into the psychological challenges refugee students face, which can manifest in the classroom through fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and emotional withdrawal. Trauma and grief are ever-present, with students often feeling anxious, ashamed, or withdrawn. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive support network that includes social services, trauma-informed education, and culturally competent mental health resources.
Dr. Hazratzai’s model at CIRH integrates health education, advocacy, and research, establishing a framework for holistic support. CIRH’s Community of Practice Advisory Group (CPAG) facilitates dialogue among stakeholders to share best practices, addressing the challenges and needs of refugee families. Dr. Hazratzai likened CIRH’s role to "connective tissue," strengthening partnerships and fostering a united effort for immigrant and refugee health.
Reflections on Community and Belonging in Education
One of the most moving talks came from Lauren Markham, a writer and Director of the Oakland International School. She shared her vision of “School as Community, Community as School,” advocating for educational spaces where refugees feel they belong. Markham reminded us that “borders are as made-up as the ones my daughter draws on a page.” Her words resonated deeply, underscoring the importance of schools as places of inclusion, safety, and empowerment for every child.
What’s Next?
As we look to the future, the state plans to expand Afghan Support Centers in Sacramento, San Diego, and the Bay Area. These centers will serve as hubs for housing assistance, job readiness, and community support, creating a safety net for Afghan families navigating resettlement. At the conference, several contacts were shared for those looking to connect further, including Carolina Sheinfeld, Branch Chief of OIY, and others in the OIY team, demonstrating a commitment to sustained engagement and support.
Conclusion
The Afghan Refugee School Impact Grant Conference was a reminder of the dedication and collaboration required to support refugee communities effectively. Through shared efforts, we can address pressing needs and create a more inclusive, supportive environment for newcomers. The challenges are immense, but so is the collective commitment to building resilient, thriving communities in California and beyond.
