FOX VALLEY (NBC 26) — On Saturday afternoon, Esther-Fox Valley, a local interfaith social-justice organization put on a webinar called “History and Culture of Afghanistan: Welcoming Our New Neighbors”.
The webinar was held on Zoom from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The webinar featured panelists who explained about some of the Afghan history, culture and resettlement.
This as Wisconsin has welcomed thousands of refugees to Fort McCoy and across Northeast Wisconsin.
For many of these Afghans, they have come to this country looking for hope after escaping terror and the Taliban rule.
Tami McLaughlin is the director of World Relief Fox Valley, where she's helping refugees start a new life in our community.
"There's a sigh of relief in knowing that okay, now we can start over. Because that's one of the biggest elements in feeling safe and secure in having your own home," McLaughlin said.
She was one of the speakers in the virtual event. She shares about how crucial it is for our community to get to know who these refugees are. Individuals who if they haven't already, will soon become our neighbors.
“I think that’s huge. I think it’s very important to know history, to know culture, to know why people are here, just give a basic understanding about the backgrounds of people and the history of people. I think that’s something anyone can do. Just welcome your neighbor. Whoever that is. Whether its an Afghan refugee or if it’s someone who moved here from Iowa,” McLaughlin said.
For one Afghan man who also spoke, he explains how he came to the U.S. as a refugee 20 years ago.
He says while the journey wasn't easy, it has been worthwhile.
"I was applying for high level jobs and filling out all those information and I believe the employer was not looking at my application. So after a year I really started my life in the u.S. My first job was working at a cafe as a dishwasher. Then from there I started to build my future. And then later on I got to the position that I now have, the dream job I always wanted," said Farid Saydee, PhD.
He teaches as well as provides consultancy services to educational institutions throughout the country.
At the end of the day, this event hoped to not only educate but get the community to open their hearts and remember why some of these refugees left their home country.
The event was sponsored by Appleton Public Library, Friends of Appleton Public Library, Fox Valley Islamic Society, ESTHER, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, League of Women Voters of Appleton, and World Relief Fox Valley.
