OUR STORIES

Our Stories

From Resilience to Empowerment

Kamar's incredible journey from being a refugee in Somalia to interning for U.S. senator Jack Reed is inspiring. Her story highlights the importance of perseverance, personal growth and the support of a community. One significant aspect of her experience was the sense of belonging she found in Refugee Dream Center's youth program.

Hope: A Refugee's Journey from Afghanistan

In January of 2022, as the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan, Fazila, a dedicated nurse, found herself in a difficult and dangerous situation. Working tirelessly in a hospital in Kabul, she witnessed firsthand the devastating consequences of the Taliban's oppressive regime.

Strength in Diversity

Bawi, a refugee from Myanmar, was only 14 when he left his native country and resettled halfway across the globe. It was a culture shock for him, as everything was different, from the language to the customs and traditions.

Embracing New Horizons

In the beautiful and diverse land of the Democratic Republic of Congo, there lived a family whose lives were forever changed by the harsh realities of conflict. Among them was a man named Salemani, who had dreams of a peaceful and prosperous future for his family. Little did he know that his journey would lead him to the United States, seeking refuge and hope for a better life.

A Journey to Citizenship

Shukuru Mugwa is a former refugee from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. After 11 years in a refugee camp, Shukuru arrived in the United States. Shukuru had learned a bit of English before he arrived in Rhode Island. However, he still faced immense challenges. Shukuru had to adjust to an entirely new culture and way of life; Shukuru had a new job, a new schedule, a new lifestyle, and a new home.

SeenUnseen- Photographs and Words by Mary Beth Meehan

What is it that I should tell you? Should I describe the way the bombs sounded, or name the friends and neighbors killed? Should I list what she packed in her meager bag as she walked away from her home, her family business, her life? Should I use the word refugee, and summon up all that that word conjures?