MILWAUKEE — A program based in Milwaukee is helping Afghan students get settled in Wisconsin.
The Milwaukee Muslim Women’s Coalition launched the Be a Buddy Program. The program is primarily for students between the ages of 10 and 16 and it allows them to have a safe community and participate in a series of different learning activities.
“We realized from our experience with our previous refugee groups that particularly the middle school and high school students have the most difficulty in their new environments," said Janan Najeeb, President of the Milwaukee Women’s Coalition. "A lot of times if they have an accent, dress differently, eat different foods, and bullying is a problem, unfortunately."
The Be a Buddy Program helps connect Afghan students with local students who are in the same grade. The Saturday workshops include: art projects, reading projects, recreation and learning about different cultures.
Afghan translators also participate in the workshops to help the students communicate.
“They really learn from each other,“ explained Najeeb. "How you take directions in the United States, how we stand in line, how we interact with each other."
Organizers said they will continue the program as long as there is a need.
The group is also always looking for volunteers. You can find more information about the program, here.