After a terrifying flight from danger and oppression, some 200 political refugees settle in Rhode Island each year, only to face the exhausting task of starting from scratch in an unfamiliar culture. Omar Bah ’10 gives them the space, and courage, to restart their dreams.
onday morning, on a rainy day in Providence, Omar Bah is making his rounds. First, he visits Florence Gaye, a native of Liberia, to check up on her and gab about Christmas. Santa, he says, will drop by later in the week with presents. Then he drives a couple of blocks to see Burundi-born Revokata Nzinahora. Part cheerleader, part father figure, he gently nudges her about a career.
“You’re doing a great job,’’ says Bah, hugging her toddler, still in pink pajamas.
“I really want to be a nurse,’’ says Nzinahora.
“You will,’’ Bah says.
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