Abdisalan at his high school graduation
Abdisalan at his high school graduation.
Photo: Jessica Wawrzyniak/IRC

"My name is Abdisalan and I am a refugee from Somalia.  

As millions of people continue to flee violence in search of safety and hope, organizations like the IRC help lead the way.   Picture for a moment having to make the decision to leave everything you know: your culture, your friends, and even your family, so you and your loved ones have a chance to survive.

This was decision that my parents were forced to make when my family fled Somali after my uncles were killed during the civil war in 1991.  My parents fled to Kenya where living conditions continued to be harsh and dangerous. My mother did not allow me to attend school because of fear that I would be killed for being Somali.  Even at a young age, I was well aware of the inhumane ways some Kenyans treated the Somali people. Unable to find work in Kenya, my father returned to Somalia where he was injured. Devastatingly, my father died due to that injury. Thankfully, in 2008, my family was resettled in the United States.

Life was not easy when we arrived.  The English language and the new culture were very difficult to absorb and the first few years were challenging; however, with the help of our resettlement agency we made it.  Thankfully, we were eventually able to move to San Diego to reconnect with my sister who had been resettled a couple of years prior to us. This is where I was introduced to the IRC in San Diego.

Abdisalan speaking at IRC in San Diego's annual fundraiser.
Abdisalan shared his story at the IRC in San Diego's annual fundraiser.
Photo: Joanne Shipman

I believe that education is the key to success.  Looking back on my educational experiences, I realize that before I started high school in San Diego, I was not getting enough support.  I would stare at my homework unsure of what I was supposed to be doing and unable to ask my mother or sisters for help. After enrolling, a counselor told me about a wonderful program that helps refugees succeed in school called the IRC.  I quickly became involved in all of IRC San Diego’s Youth Programs. I participated in after school tutoring and Saturday exit exam prep. With the help of these programs,I graduated with a 3.2 GPA.  IRC also helped me prepare for my future with their College Prep, Youth Garden and Connect2Work programs.  College Prep helped me apply for colleges, financial aid, and scholarships. I am very proud to say that I was awarded over $10,000 in scholarships andI am a full-time student at City College studying Business.  The Youth Garden and Connect2Work programs provided me very valuable work experience and assistance in getting a job. I currently work at City College as a Peer Advocate.

IRC is always there to help.  My sister and I have both benefited from their career development services and college tutoring. I recently met with their immigration department, so I can someday reunite with one of my sisters who is still abroad.  IRC also helped prepare me for the US citizenship test and I am blessed to now be a US Citizen. Don’t forget to vote.

Because my family was given the opportunity to start a new life in the United States, we are going to make the most of it.  I have no doubt that I will be successful and that my family will never again feel the hunger for freedom or food. I hope that refugees who are currently leaving everything behind for a new life are as blessed as my family has been. 

I know that if I had never met the wonderful people at the IRC, my life would be different. I can tell you from the bottom of my heart that the IRC is worthy of your support.  Thank you for your support in assisting the IRC to bring refugees from harm to home."