Once a month Tucson’s UN Center/UNICEF Store hosts a brown bag lunch and brings in a guest speaker to highlight an aspect of the UN’s work around the world. July’s topic focused on life in refugee camps which prompted Joanne Curtis, UN Center Volunteer, to turn to the International Rescue Committee Tucson in search of an appropriate speaker. Needing no second invitation, Abdi Farah, an IRC Refugee from Somalia, stepped forward to share his story.
Addressing an eager audience tucked into the back of the store, it’s hard to imagine that this well-spoken, Pima college student arrived in America only a year and half earlier as a refugee, orphaned and carrying only a small duffel packed with his few cherished possessions. Abdi’s story was not easy to hear, and many in the room wiped away tears shed for a young Somali boy living through the terrors of war and ethnic violence. Murder, Separation, Hunger and Fear stood as sign posts marking Abdi’s flight away from his oppressors and into the cruelties of a war zone. But eyes began to dry as other terms slowly entered the picture: UN, School, Foster Parents, Case Worker, IRC, America, and finally, Home.
At 23 years old, Abdi is the hero of his own story. He has already stared down and conquered larger giants than most will ever encounter, and his journey is far from over. But in true heroic fashion, this young man refuses to share his story without first pausing to say a word of thanks to the United Nations, the International Rescue Committee, and the many friends who supported him along his journey from Harm … to Home.
For more information visit IRC Tucson and the UN Center. To invite a refugee speaker to your next social gathering contact VolunteerTucson@theIRC.org.
Written by: Andrew Jenkins, Volunteer Coordinator
