As a writer, I often wonder what happens to the people one reports on. How do their stories pan out? Do they find happiness and their way in the world? Recently I had written about the influx of Bhutanese refugees into the US, spotlighting their lives in New York. I’m happy to provide a follow up and a happily ever after – several non-profit organizations have got involved in helping the newcomers get a foothold in America.
They maybe in exile from their homeland of Bhutan but are actually smiling. On a recent Sunday in New York, scores of young Bhutanese people who had spent their entire lives in refugee camps were now beginning to think of education, careers and even fun escapades, thanks to mentors who are helping them to weave a new life.
The Bhutanese people of Nepali origin, who were expelled from Bhutan by the government, have lived stateless, in congested camps, accepted by neither Bhutan nor Nepal. Now the US has offered to settle 60,000 of them and the first 8000 have come into different parts of the US.
With only a few months of support from the government and resettlement agencies, these refugees have to fend for themselves. Many speak English while many don’t and employment is always an issue. Rathi Raja of Young Indian Culture Group has formed Friends of Bhutanese Refugees, with support from Children’s Hope India, Hindu Organization of Long Island and Sewa International.
“These are poor families who cannot afford to buy essentials such as blankets, winter jackets, and toys for their children,” says Raja. “Though many of the refugees are educated and can speak English, many of them have remained unemployed. Many have no jobs or are students and have no income.”
Those who want to partner in helping them succeed in a new country can check out the Facebook page for Friends of Bhutanese Refugees and join in as mentors and volunteers. There’s a laptop drive on as well as scholarships being initiated for the young and job recruitment for the adults. Other programs on the drawing board are mentoring programs, social services, health care and women’s co-operatives. For these newest immigrants, the American journey has just begun. If you’d like to help make a difference in the lives of these new immigrants, contact Rathi Raja at (516) 603-2642
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Finding their Place in the World
1 Comment
Hi, thanks for that.