“We had to leave Afghanistan because of the Taliban. It was very bad. I am always worried about my family that is still there. Coming to sewing class is good. It is a very good place.”
As our students entrust their stories to me, I often find myself close to tears. It is overwhelming to think of all these women have suffered, and if I could have faced the hardships they have and still be functioning! From famine and military violence, to family separation and persecution, these women have been through hell and back.
Yet they are here now, and are thriving in the community they have at Make Welcome. We’re providing the opportunity to learn a new skill, make American friends and practice English, all in a welcoming community. These women still remain hopeful and dedicated, and are an inspiration to all of us. It is their desire to learn and grow in their new country that motivates our work here. This upcoming year of classes, we’re expecting 34 students, our largest number of students since Covid shut everything down over 2 years ago.
Yet the reality is that we can’t do this work of community and job training without your help! We have a goal of raising $15,000, enough to help cover the costs of the first semester. You can make an impact by helping us create a safe and bright future for new refugee Artisans at Make Welcome. Will you give today to provide safety, community, and job training for more students?
Each donation of $50 or more will receive a free tea towel, sewn by our production class students as part of the income earning program we run on Tuesdays. (Style of towel not guaranteed – dependent on what is in stock!)