Tri-State Defender NATION /WORLD


August 11 - 17, 2011


Page 5


Acombination of drought, famine andwar has devastated the people of Somalia, es- pecially the most vulnerable, the children. (Courtesy photo)


SOMALIA CONTINUED FROM FRONT


of Refugee and Immigration Services, told the Tri-StateDe- fender that she has witnessed both tragedy and triumph in the Somalian refugee community. “Many saw their entire vil-


lage burned down and ran for their lives,” said Jayaraman. “The worst drought in 60 years has destroyed crops and livestock. Mothers walked hundreds of miles with their children for several days with neither food nor water. Over- crowded


refugee camps in Ethiopia or Kenya only offered more suf- fering.” The average length of stay in


a refugee camp is 16-17 years, she said. Many children are born there, and some routine of life is established, even inmis- erable, sometimes inhumane conditions. To these families who have


conditions at


A voice for the voiceless Vinodini Jayaraman, director


“The worst drought in 60 years has destroyed crops and livestock. Mothers walked hundreds of miles with their children for several days with neither food nor water. Overcrowded conditions at refugee camps in Ethiopia or Kenya only offered more suffering.”


Vinodini Jayaraman


kind of assistance we can, but we could do so much more with more volunteers who are willing to help us. Attaining the “American


never used kitchen appliances, indoor toilets, or running water, an apartment in North Memphis looks more like heaven than simply a new


rival, everyone gets a Social Security card,” said Jayara- man. “Those who are of age and can work are assisted with securing employment. Every-


Dream” suddenly becomes re- ality for these families. They are eager to work and go to school, said Jayaraman. “Within 30-45 days of ar-


we have helped approximately 50 Somalian refugees each year to begin again,” said Catholic Charities ofMemphis President and CEOMichaelD. Allen. “We try to provide every


place to live. “Over the past two decades,


Somalis before the year is out, said Allen. United Nations member countries continue a joint effort to help assimilate refugee families.


ested in volunteer opportuni- ties with refugee services, or any other outreach at Catholic Charities should call 901-722- 4700.)


(Anyone who may be inter-


“There are many seasoned re- lief professionals who would tell you we haven’t seen a cri- sis this bad in a genera- tion….We anticipate that this crisis will get worse before it gets better.” Memphis may get still more


happy to attend school and pur- sue careers,” she said. “They are proud to live in America and in our city where there is opportunity for personal ad- vancement and growth. Even starting off with the most me- nial of jobs does not deter their ambition. It’s gratifying to be a part of thiswork.Wemust con- tinue to feel compassion for these families and do all we can to help them.” According to Brigety,


one who is able to work pays the State Department back every penny for their transport to this country. “Somalis are proud and


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