Today we’re completing the second half of turning our librarian Amjad’s home into a safe refuge for his family. The caravans in Za’atari Camp are made of thin metal and aren’t great protection against the cold winter wind and rain. In the summer, the caravans bake as temperatures rise to 115 degrees or more. Amjad’s kitchen didn’t have a regular ceiling. They were using cloth to cover the kitchen space. Bugs came into the kitchen because the walls weren’t well sealed. They also couldn’t use the kitchen when it rained because water ran down the metal stove, which was connected to the metal door frame, and could create sparks. A big safety risk, especially in a family with children! Amjad’s father Nabil said, “A kitchen without a ceiling is a nightmare because it affects my family’s health and safety.” We built a roof over their kitchen, which helped seal up this room so it is safe and usable year-round. We're so appreciative of all the love Amjad has put … [Read more...] about A Safe Kitchen
Archives for April 2018
A Refuge for Amjad
Today we’re joining the family of our wonderful librarian, Amjad. He founded Questscope’s library at the Youth Center in Za’atari Camp. It's become a refuge for youth to read, study, and discover ways to heal from the wounds of war. "I found new strength in myself and for others," he said. In turn, the team wanted to help Amjad make his home a refuge for his family. There are two families who share one bathroom in his caravan. The lack of privacy is a deep concern around the dignity of each person, especially for women. We built a separate bathroom, so each family had their own space. Amjad's father Nabil said, “I’m so glad we separated the bathrooms. It’s only human for one family to have a sense of privacy even if we all live together. Thank you!” … [Read more...] about A Refuge for Amjad
The Gift of Privacy
Most families in Za’atari live in caravans – small metal structures with four, five, or more people living together in one room. Even refugee families who were loving and stable before the war can fracture under the daily pressure of living in such tight quarters. Amira lives with her three sons and a nephew. There is no privacy in the caravan. They all share one open bathroom, which isn’t walled off. The front entrance also isn’t well secured, and there is a risk of dogs coming in at night. Amira’s nephew lives with her in the camp because he was separated from his family and is currently unable to reunite with them. Amira took him in and treats him like a fourth son. Her nephew, with support from the three sons, wanted to create more privacy and safety in the home as a gift for Amira. A small token of thanks for all she’s done for him. We put in a wall to make the bathroom more private. We also put in a second wall to close off the entrance and make the home … [Read more...] about The Gift of Privacy
Welcome to Jordan!
For the next few weeks, we’re making change with our Syrian refugee colleagues in Za’atari Refugee Camp in Jordan! In 2015, Questscope officially joined the ARC family. Together, we work throughout Jordan and Syria with vulnerable young people and their families to provide education, mentorship, and critical aid. In Za’atari, Questcope operates a large youth center. It's run by a core group of 40 young adult Syrian refugees, who design programs, lead outreach, and develop innovations for youth to improve their lives and circumstances in the camp. Most people expect to only find hopelessness and defeat in refugee camps. And while there is unimaginable pain – there are also real-life heroes bringing life and love into this season of their lives. To kick off our time with these Syrian Changemakers, we hosted a brainstorming session with the team, putting our heads together to come up with real opportunities for change within our reach. We got lunch for the team - and got … [Read more...] about Welcome to Jordan!
Fueling the Fire
As we wind up our time with our friends at Upwardly Global in Chicago, we wanted to do something really special for them. A surprise that will help lift their spirits - and buoy their efforts to better the lives of the people they serve. We noticed that they could use a couple of things – especially in their kitchen area – that might help make their environment a little bit of a better place to spend so much time. So for day 116, we’re treating them for a change! Coffee fuels this hardworking team as they work long days to support refugees in their sometimes arduous job search. So what better surprise than a brand new Nespresso machine to make them feel fancy? They were so excited when we surprised them with the new addition to their kitchen. “This is so unexpected,” said Favin from the team. “I’m so appreciative. The idea that you’re gonna take our little kitchen and make it better….we’re so appreciative.” This group pours their heart and soul into their work, … [Read more...] about Fueling the Fire
A Simple Thanks
Upwardly Global is powered by their incredible team – but also by their network of supporters, friends, and volunteers. They amplify the work that UpGlo does, reaching so many more than would be possible without them. But, says Favin from the UpGlo team, they rarely ever get a chance to simply say thanks. There simply aren’t a lot of extra resources to go around. So for Day 115, we’re changing all that – a fun, relaxing night in honor of volunteers and alumni, filled with gratitude and good food. “Being able to say thank you – hard stop - never happens,” said Favin from Upwardly Global. “This was the very first thing I wanted to do.” Along with the volunteers, we invited alumni of the program too. Many of them have continued to support and be a part of the UpGlo family – many of them become volunteers, helping others to find the success they’ve achieved. As the night went on, the conversation got richer, stomachs got fuller, new friendships were struck up. It … [Read more...] about A Simple Thanks
Making Connections
Refugee and immigrant job seekers in Chicago know that the team at Upwardly Global has their backs. But what’s even more amazing is the thriving community that the organization has built – they have their backs, too. A big part of that community is United Airlines. Employees from the company regularly give their time to Upwardly Global’s volunteer events, where they do interview practice, resume reviews, and networking practice. Both Upwardly Global and United employees emphasize the importance of networking for anyone on the job hunt. So we decided to support one of these events with a little surprise - something that will make it a little easier for job seekers to follow that advice. What better place to continue the conversation than at Starbucks? We surprised every job seeker at a United volunteer interview event with Starbucks gift cards. And, we gave them a task – take someone out to coffee! And not just anyone…someone who works in their dream field. A … [Read more...] about Making Connections
A Little Library
One of the hidden expenses of any education is textbooks. You probably remember standing in line at the campus book store, and cringing when the total was rung up – books can be pricey. But for refugees who are trying to strengthen their professional skills, they can also be necessary. “There’s all these tests and exams you have to pass,” says Favin from the Upwardly Global team, referring to the certification process some of their job seekers go through in their fields. “These individuals don’t have a job. They’re can’t afford $300 a book.” So for Day 113, we’re doing a little something to lift the burden of purchasing books the refugees UpGlo serves – by starting a library. We purchased a bookshelf and some books specific for the kinds of needs people typically have, and got to work setting it all up. Having a library in Upwardly Global’s office will be so convenient for job seekers – when they come to chat with their job coach or take a training, they can pick up … [Read more...] about A Little Library
An Extra Resource
“The small details are the ones that make the difference.” Adejobi is originally from Nigeria. He now works at Upwardly Global as their computer tech, but it wasn’t so long ago that he was new to the U.S. and enrolled in their job seekers program. He learned then that successfully navigating even small cultural differences between Nigeria and the U.S. can go a long way in the job search. “I took my time taking Upwardly Global’s online courses,” says Adejobi of the online job search training that the organization requires. “I didn’t want to rush. I really wanted to be able to understand.” As Upwardly Global’s tech support, Adejobi knows both the value those online courses provide, but also the stumbling blocks to accessing them. “Some job seekers don’t have computers,” he said. “Sometimes they come into the office to borrow one, but we only have one extra. Staff will let them borrow their own.” For Day 112, we’re helping ease the problem with a simple fix – extra … [Read more...] about An Extra Resource
Understanding Each Other
The job seekers Upwardly Global works with are incredibly talented. And sometimes, all they need is one small change, a spark that helps push them over the edge and land a job that's suited to their skills and background. For Phuong, that small step is help with pronunciation. From Vietnam, she’s been in the U.S. for a few years and speaks English fluently. But her accent – and her confidence levels because of it - has been a barrier. “With the job search a phone interview almost always happens first,” she says. “But I don’t feel comfortable speaking English over the phone. I haven’t gotten those jobs because of that.” Phuong had sought out pronunciation classes on her own, but had to stop taking lessons when the resource drain got to be too much. When the team at Upwardly Global was thinking about who in their universe could benefit from a small change with big impact, Phuong was on top of their list. So for Day 111, we surprised Phuong with something she’s been … [Read more...] about Understanding Each Other