OT: World Refugee Day 2007
Today seems to be the day for my political side to come out.
As some of you know, my career has been working with refugees and asylum seekers, so I always try to take time out in June to participate in a World Refugee Day event. Unfortunately, the events in Baltimore occurred last week, while I was away. Therefore, my small contribution to the day will be this post.
I'd like to share a poem written by an asylum seeker in Australia that was turned into a song for the Scattered People choir. As a member of the choir along with numerous refugees, it is a song that continues to bring tears to my eyes. You can hear a sample of the song here. And if you would by chance be interested in buying the Scattered People CD, just let me know. :)
If you feel so inclined, check out a book about refugees. Human Cargo by Caroline Moorehead comes highly recommended; That State of the World's Refugees published by the UNHCR; or The Middle of Everywhere: Helping Refugees Enter the American Community by Mary Pipher. The website of the UNHCR has lots of accessible information.
You can also check out this article about Iraqi refugees on CNN. It's the first I have seen an American media outlet highlight Iraqi refugees. America is also finally starting to accept some Iraqi refugees for resettlement. Progress is being made.
Don't forget, that a refugees journey does not end when if they are resettled in another country. Resettlement non-profit organizations are always in need of help and assistance in their struggle to meet the needs of refugees. Find one in your community today!
Hometown
We belong
Never lonely we belong
Safe and warm this is our hometown
We belong
My hometown
How I love the summer
Lotus plants and buffalo
We are fishing, swimming
This is life
In my hometown
My hometown
Working with my hands
And I feel proud of what I do
I support my family
This is life In my hometown
We belong
Never lonely we belong
Safe and warm this is our hometown
We belong
My hometown
Work the land till harvest
Feel the sweat then celebrate
Let the seasons turn
For this life in my hometown
My hometown
How I yearn to be there
Lotus plants and buffalo
Lay me down there someday
Let me sleep
In my hometown
4 comments:
What a wonderful career! It must be so rewarding.
@dewey - Thanks! I am currently taking a break from it, and will continue to do so for awhile after our baby comes, but I still try to stay involved. It definitely has its rewards, as well as its challenges!
As you know, I really do admire the work you do...thank you for this post,my heart goes out to displaced people everywhere and I would like to, in my own small way, do anything I can to help.
I have been spending a lot of time in Africa recently reading wise the subject of refugee life has arisen more than once.
Your work is very admirable. I cannot imagine what it would be like to be displaced like that, but I do know it musn't be easy. My heart and prayers go out to all those who have had to go through that.
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