Testimonials
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AIRF has assisted many individuals since the organization was founded in 2000. Below are stories of some life situations from individuals who came to AIRF for assistance. AIRF gives refuge to those in need. Cultural, linguistic and appropriate interventions were provided on their behalf by the AIRF. STORIES FROM OUR CLIENTS"I was the new African that just came. And it was definitely challenging, I didn't speak any English and had no friends. Because of the Saturday Program, in 10th grade U.S. History, I remember receiving a 96%! My grades went up so quickly. Without the African Club, I don't think I would have done as many things as I did in schools. I want members to be curious about Africa and remember who you are. Never forget where you came from." -Adja Koite, Blair High School, 2008-2009 African Club President
"My mother was killed in front of me and then raped and killed my wife, beat me and took me captive. I feel very guilty that I was not able to save them. I escaped from jail to Uganda."
"I was a computer programmer. I lost my brothers, all my property and status. I was promised a job and house upon arrival in American during the orientation in Tanzania. Look at what I am doing now. I carry matresses and my whole body aches. I feel disillusioned. I wish I died with the others."
"My mother was captured by the army with the other women. Me and my younger brother hid in the bushes. We walked a long way in fear until we were rescued by the Red Cross. In order to come to America with my two younger brothers, I was told to lie that I was18 even though I was 14. Now my classmates laugh at me in school. They think I should be in College or else I am stupid. They cannot understand my predicament."
"They ate my husband in front of me. Now I fear they will eat my nyama (flesh). That is why I locked myself in the house. This woman was traumatized and lived in fear for six months in her home here. Her husband was killed in Rwanda and she is here alone with six children.
"In Sudan my husband worked for the American companies like USAID. He fled to Somalia because the Sudan government was looking for him ( She produced letters of evidence for the two claims). He first fled Senegal, then France where is without status. I came here on a diversity green card lottery. I applied for my husband to come, but there was no visa available. I am here alone, my parents are dead. I now want to die." AIRF learnt about this woman's situation through the police because she had written a suicide note. through counselling AIRF was able to prevent her from taking her life.
"My leg were amputated and I pretended to be dead. They left me for dead. Later I was taken to the hospital and receovered. I came here on a visitor's visa. I do not know what happened to my family. I would like help in adjusting my status and help to locate my family. I see my attackers every time in the afternoon. It is very hard to convince myself that they cannot reach me in America." "The African culture is very different and some offices do not understand some of us (Africans). We need AIRF to help us understand and to explain for us." "I am an African immigrant and I found myself in a domestic violence situation. Not knowing where to turn, I found AIRF. They listened, they helped with counseling assistance and referrals for legal assistance and never asked me money." "Dear Grandma, thank you for helping us to read and to do our lessons we like it when you read to us. Thank you for visiting us." Elamane is a ten year old boy from Sierra Leone who received assistance through the catching up program. "Dear Grandma, thank you for helping us to read and to do our lessons. Thank you for staying with me through lunch and recess and we talk. It was nice and you are a nice person. Love, Sinafikish." Sinafikish is a nine-year-old girl who received assistance from the Catching Up program. |
