In September of 2021, the Taliban took over Afghanistan, endangering the lives and well being of many Afghanis. The “lucky” ones were able to escape, and some were relocated to Sacramento, California (which has the largest Afghan population in the U.S.)
We, in CCNS, have had previous experience assisting refugee families throughout the world, and realized we had the know-how to help some of those who had arrived with virtually nothing. We started looking for individual families by calling Afghani stores and mosques in Sacramento. Many calls later we talked to an Imam who directed us to three families with a total of 21 children between them. The first family had been sleeping on the floor of their unfurnished two-bedroom apartment for several weeks.
To solve the bed problem, we located foam padding, bought fabric remnants, and set to work with sewing machines making covers for the pads. Working with Syrian refugees in Turkey, we saw how some families slept on pads, then stacked them up along the wall during the day to allow for more living space. Along with the pads, we gave the Afghan families bedding, pots and pans, dishes, clothing, and several bicycles.
Over the years, we have witnessed again and again the importance and impact of human interaction and connection, so when we delivered the items, we took along a tarp, cloths, and pillows to set up a homey meeting place in a nearby park. We brought thermoses of tea, a plate of cookies, and some balls that we all had fun playing with. The little Pashto we learned allowed each of us to exchange a few words with all the family members. For more in-depth conversation, we had a good interpreter helping us out. Sitting down and sharing tea, some words in both languages, and smiles and laughs, let them know we cared. And it established a connection that went far beyond giving and receiving, reminding us again of the truth that we are all a part of one human family.
world, and realized we had the know-how to help some of those who had arrived with virtually nothing. We started looking for individual families by calling Afghani stores and mosques in Sacramento. Many calls later we talked to an Imam who directed us to three families with a total of 21 children between them. The first family had been sleeping on the floor of their unfurnished two-bedroom apartment for several weeks.
To solve the bed problem, we located foam padding, bought fabric remnants, and set to work with sewing machines making covers for the pads. Working with Syrian refugees in Turkey, we saw how some families slept on pads, then stacked them up along the wall during the day to allow for more living space. Along with the pads, we gave the Afghan families bedding, pots and pans, dishes, clothing, and several bicycles.
Over the years, we have witnessed again and again the importance and impact of human interaction and connection, so when we delivered the items, we took along a tarp, cloths, and pillows to set up a homey meeting place in a nearby park. We brought thermoses of tea, a plate of cookies, and some balls that we all had fun playing with. The little Pashto we learned allowed each of us to exchange a few words with all the family members. For more in-depth conversation, we had a good interpreter helping us out. Sitting down and sharing tea, some words in both languages, and smiles and laughs, let them know we cared. And it established a connection that went far beyond giving and receiving, reminding us again of the truth that we are all a part of one human family.
