Seeking Refuge

This week, we sit down with Yazmin Ullah, a Rohingya activist. She explains the situation in Myanmar and talks to us about the ongoing case in the ICJ against the government for crimes of genocide. Yazmin talks about her advocacy work, her goals for the future, and even her social media presence on Twitter and Tik Tok. For more info on the Us vs. Them Learning Tool: https://museeholocauste.ca/en/a...

This week, we examine the worsening situation in South Sudan, and we have two guests! First, we talk to Tony Freitas, who worked in South Sudan for years giving humanitarian aid and training South Sudanese refugees in various skills. Then, we talk to Moses Andruga about his story. Moses is a South Sudanese refugee who is currently in Uganda working with Tony and others to build churches and offer...

This week, we talk to David Marín Cabrera, a Venezuelan psychologist, about his experience as a refugee in Peru. He talks about his own experience leaving Venezuela, the state of the crisis in general, and his work counseling other refugees. David and other counselors are using their own experiences as refugees to help others cope with their trauma. To learn more, here is an article from the UNHCR...

President Trump just announced the 2021 refugee cap, and it's the lowest in US history. Articles Referenced in this Episode: https://www.cnn.com/2019/09/26/politics/refugee-cap-historic-low/index.html https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-administration-refugee-resettlement-cap-historic-low/ https://news.yahoo.com/administration-announces-further-slash-refugee-130010276.html For further reading, chec...

In our first episode of season 3, we explain a little bit of what is happening in Syria, and we sit down with Amani Kanjo of Syrian Relief and Development to discuss health care for Syrians. Specifically, Amani points out issues of gender-based violence and health care workers' advocacy in the country and among Syrian refugees. If you want to learn more about Syrian Relief and Development, check o...

Our third season is coming in two weeks! In this teaser, we talk about where we've been, what this season is about, and give brief introductions to our team members. We are so excited for what the future has in store, and we hope you are too. This season, we will be covering the ten largest displacement crises according to the UNHCR's 2019 report. The UNHCR's analysis of global trends for last yea...

We bring you information on the breaking Moria Fires story in Lesbos, Greece. Choose Love Donation Page: https://donate.helprefugees.org/campaigns/moria-emergency/ Articles Referenced in this Episode: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/09/world/europe/fire-refugee-camp-lesbos-moria.html https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-54082201 https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-greece-migrant...

In this summer bonus episode, we talked to Salva Dut, the founder of Water for South Sudan. Salva was one of the Sudanese “Lost Boys” and was the basis for the book A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park. Salva traces his journey for us, talks about the effects of clean water on a community, and discusses his vision for the future of South Sudan and refugees around the globe. Water for South Sudan...

Description In our third bonus episode, we sit down with Parnaz Foroutan, a former Iranian refugee, and discuss her new memoir Home is a Stranger . She talks about the real Iran behind the media, female identities, and how we should be viewing the refugee crisis. Home is a Stranger can be purchased at her publisher's website here: https://www.chicagoreviewpress.com/home-is-a-stranger-products-9781...

Description In our second bonus episode, we sit down again with our very first guest, Dr. Breanne Grace. This time, we talk about how the novel coronavirus pandemic (and outbreaks in general) affect refugees. We discuss what outbreaks look like in camp settings, how resettled refugees in the US are affected, and the general health inequalities that arise during pandemics such as COVID-19. For more...

Description In this bonus episode, we talk to Abby Sauls. Abby is an international and global studies senior at the University of South Carolina who has worked with the refugee communities both in South Carolina and in Jordan. She gives us insight into what the refugee crisis looks like in Jordan and how the novel coronavirus has impacted refugees in Columbia, SC. Connect With Us: If you or someon...

Description In this seventh episode of Season 2, we talk to Bekah Bennett. Bekah is an international studies student at the University of South Carolina who works in Clarkston to help support the refugee community. UNHCR: https://donate.unhcr.org/int/coronavirus-emergency/~my-donation# International Rescue Committee: https://www.rescue.org/covid-19-threatens-refugee-camps Clarkston Community Cente...

Description In this sixth episode of Season 2, we talk to Ogbai Afeworkie. Ogbai is a refugee from Ethiopia and a current student at Georgia State University. Ogbai and I talk about his refugee story from growing up in refugee camps to dealing with the US education system. Ethiopian-Eritrean War: https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/ethiopia-eritrea-conflict-20-years-brothers-war-180506082447...

Description In this fifth episode of Season 2, we talk to Luma Mufleh. Luma is a former asylee from Jordan who founded Fugees Family and Fugees Academy- an all refugee school and soccer team in Clarkston, Georgia. Luma talks about her background, her current work with refugees, and how it has affected her. You can find out more about Fugees Family here. Luma's Ted Talk: http://bit.ly/lumamufleh Bo...

Description In this fourth episode of Season 2, we talk to Brian Bollinger. Brian is the executive director for Friends of Refugees, a non-profit whose mission is “to empower refugees through opportunities that provide for their well-being, education and employment.”. We talked to Brian today about the economic impact of refugees in Clarkston, GA and beyond. You can find out more about what Friend...

Description In the third episode of Season 2, we talk to Pastor Trent Deloach. He is the lead pastor at Clarkston International Bible Church. We talked to Pastor Deloach about how his church impacts the refugee populations in Clarkston and the lessons he's learned from leading such a diverse congregation. You can find out more about what CIBC does here. Connect With Us: If you or someone you know...

Description In today's episode, we talk to Dr. Mary Helen O'Connor. An assistant professor at Georgia State University, Dr. O’Connor is an expert in refugee studies, with a particular interest in public health among refugee populations. We talked to Dr. O'Connor about her experiences in Clarkston, GA and how her research is impacting the community. You can find out more about the Georgia State Uni...

Description This new season focuses on the town of Clarkston, Georgia, which is one of the most culturally diverse towns in the United States. In today's episode, we talk to Clarkson Mayor, Ted Terry. Mayor Ted is running for US Senate and has been an advocate for refugee resettlement in his town and across the state of Georgia. We talked to Mayor Ted about how his community has shaped him and his...

Description For the last show of this season, we talk to Alexis Vetack about her involvement with Gamecocks Aiding Refugees in Columbia, and how students can get involved in helping local refugee populations. We'll be back with more episodes in 2020. Connect With Us: If you or someone you know would like to share their personal refugee story, send us an email at seekingrefugepodcast@gmail.com or c...

Description This week, we talk to Katie Heins, a former UofSC Honor's College student, about her involvement in research regarding refugees and the impact that it has had on her life after College. Connect With Us: If you or someone you know would like to share their personal refugee story, send us an email at seekingrefugepodcast@gmail.com or connect with us on any number of social media platform...

Description This week, we talk to Thakur Mishra about what life is like as a former refugee in the United States. Through his work at Carolina Refugee Resettlement Agency, Thakur is helping refugees to find homes in the greater-Charlotte area. Connect With Us: If you or someone you know would like to share their personal refugee story, send us an email at seekingrefugepodcast@gmail.com or connect...

Description This week, we talk to Amadeo Geere about being a refugee running for office. After years of advocating for victims throughout the state, Amadeo now wants to take his experiences to Columbia City Council. Connect With Us: If you or someone you know would like to share their personal refugee story, send us an email at seekingrefugepodcast@gmail.com or connect with us on any number of soc...

Episode Notes Description This week, we talk to Professor Breanne Grace about what it means to be a refuge. From her years of research and experience with refugees, we learn about the complex issues surrounding displaced populations. Connect With Us: If you or someone you know would like to share their personal refugee story, send us an email at seekingrefugepodcast@gmail.com or connect with us on...