Yesterday, we helped the women of Girls for Africa make a new South Sudanese family settle into their home in Omaha. And today, we’re welcoming another family, this time from Congo. The girls wanted to make sure that the family had all the essentials they needed to start their new life out right. So they let us know how we could contribute, how we could help make them feel at home. When visiting them for the first time, Elizabeth and Nyamat showed them how things in their house works – the sink, the shower, the stove. There are so many new things to learn! While there, they took note of the things they needed, and we helped to get it to the family of eleven. Then we gathered some girls from Girls for Africa to deliver the items. They got two side tables for the living room, lamps, a microwave, a dish rack dryer, cleaning supplies, a laundry basket and detergent, personal hygiene products, a waste bin, a shower curtain and small mirrors, hats and gloves, socks, and … [Read more...] about The Essentials
Archives for January 2018
Welcome Home
Yesterday, we met Girls for Africa and the amazing women – Elizabeth, Tabitha, and Nyamat - who founded the group. They're always looking for opportunities to give back to the refugee community in Omaha. And When they heard that a South Sudanese family of nine was being resettled in Omaha from Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya, they decided to do something to help welcome and support them. Kakuma is where many South Sudanese girls in Girls for Africa were born. And they know firsthand how tough the transition to the U.S. can be. So the leaders of the group went to the airport to greet the family and provide a warm first welcome to their new home. As soon as they exchanged hugs and smiles, Elizabeth and Tabitha realized that they had known the family from their own days in Kakuma! Martha, the mom of the family, also remembered and Elizabeth and her family leaving for the U.S. 20 years ago. “It was an amazing experience,” said Elizabeth. “They are such a beautiful family. It’s crazy … [Read more...] about Welcome Home
Girls for Africa
Sometimes you run across people whose energy and determination sweep you up with them – and you’re automatically along for the ride. For us, those people are Elizabeth, Nyamat, and Tabitha. They’re the incredible women behind Girls for Africa – a mentorship and empowerment group based in Omaha, Nebraska. It’s hard to imagine when these women sleep. Originally from South Sudan, they do so much for their community, while at the same time pursuing their own lives and careers, that sometimes there just aren't enough hours in the day! What fuels them? Coffee probably helps, but mainly, it’s their desire to give back - and to help the next generation of girls grow up strong. About a year ago, Elizabeth, Nyamt, and Tabitha started Girls for Africa for middle and high school age girls. Their goal was to create a space where girls can feel comfortable being themselves, and build strong, healthy, and meaningful relationships. It was designed for the South Sudanese community, but it’s … [Read more...] about Girls for Africa