Understanding Refugees’ Perspectives: But…there was no bus in my brain! CATESOL Conference 19-22 October 2017 Kathryn Bayley

What Got Me Here?

Agenda Introduction Coursework Case Study one – A Families Journey Refugee Resettlement Process Case study two – Small Business Opportunities for Refugees in Spokane A Ukrainian woman’s story Refugee Cycle of Success

Coursework Service Learning Family Tree Presentation Visit support agencies, businesses, and organizations Course materials included: American Dreams: Global Visions by Hones Children of the River by Linda Crow The Story of My Life by Farah Ahmedi

So Where is Nepal Anyway?

Bhutan Versus Nepal A Time Line 1890’s The king of Bhutan invited the Nepalese to work the land for citizenship By 1958 a successful agricultural community had been created In response the government passed its first citizenship act and established three ethnic groups. 1960 Bhutan passed a Five-Year Modernization Project Decided they need the Nepalese after all 1977 another tougher citizenship act was passed

Bhutan Versus Nepal A Time Line 1985 another act was passed where residence had to show land tax documents 1990’s Seven refugee camps were established in Nepal - over 108,000 people occupied the camps 2007 refugees were able to begin the process of resettlement through the UNHCR As of 2015 just two camps remain with 18,000 people

The Process How do we get out of here? Various agencies working in the background Health and Security screening Travel Loans Refugee Processing Center More interviews International Organization of Migration Bio Data Sheet Office Assurance Form

The 180 Day Countdown Core Services Checklist Initial Referral Grant DSHS Social Security ESL placement Orientation

Wrap-up 1958 First Citizenship Act 1960 another appeal to the Nepalese 1890 One King makes an offer and another King turns it into a nightmare for the world 1958 First Citizenship Act 1960 another appeal to the Nepalese 1977 Second Citizenship Act 1985 Third Citizenship Act …may as well have been “1984” 1992 the white flag is raised Prospects in the camp 2007 The U.S. begins accepting refugees for re-settlement As of 2015 only two camps and 18,000 people.  

So…What’s Next?

World Relief & SNAP World Relief provides all the essential “resettlement” services for incoming refugees When they’re ready….. Newcomers are introduced to SNAP

What is SNAP? Spokane Neighborhood Action Program Targets the low income demographic Helping the homeless and low income families since 1966 Helping the refugee population since 1997 Empowers people for economic growth through small business development.

Refugee Small Business Program Services Training Business Counseling Financial Assistance

Refugee Small Business Program Program Cost Taught in Common Languages for this area According to World Relief 2009 Russian population 25,000 Burmese Karen 239 African 100 Bhutanese (Nepal) 91 Office of Refugee Resettlement U.S Dept of Health and Human Services

Businesses developed through this program Artists & Craftsmen Hair Stylists Auto Detailing Health Food Stores Auto Repair Janitorial Services Children’s Clothing Lawn Care Computer Services Manufacturing Construction Retail Shops Gift Baskets Specialty Foods Graphic Design

Ismail, Ukraine

Some Background Post WWII 5 – 7 million people died 10 million were left homeless 20% of the industrial enterprises were left intact 15% of agricultural equipment and machinery was left intact All told this equated to 40% of their national wealth The re-imposition of totalitarian controls Soviets rounded up everyone they didn’t like and sent them to Siberia – all in an effort to “stamp out” Western influences Soviets shut down the Greek Catholic church in 1949 Christians were not allowed to practice their religion Ukrainian independence 1990 Article points –page 2 and 3

The Ukrainian Business Woman Born & Raised in Izmail, Ukraine Graduation from High School Work and Volunteer Career The fight for refugee status How does one prove “refugee status”? Arrival in Spokane 1996 With help from World Relief her family made a new life

Wrap-up Questions Different types of refugees Services offered through World Relief and SNAP Proving refugee Status A quote from Tatiana “Things are getting a little better now” “May even be a little more open than it is here because now they are teaching it in the schools” Questions

From The Camp to Success Resettlement ESL Community Resources Success

Step into the perspective of a refugee in this educational experience designed to instill understanding and compassion. Separated into families from various countries, groups must memorize their biographies before visiting immigration officials, a feeding station, a medical screening clinic and a language acquisition class. Families must pass interviews at each of these stations on their journey to freedom. https://worldreliefspokane.org/refugee-simulations

Questions