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Courtesy Photo / GVSU Honors College.
Abubakar: "I want to do something for humans. I want to let them know suffering will someday end."

Darfur refugee shares story

By Susie Skowronek GVL Staff Writer
2/7/2010

"Life is beautiful - life is simple," said Darfur refugee Abubakar. "Everyone has a right to life. Life needs us to listen."

Since his escape from Darfur, a feat he thought would lead to his death, Abubakar has rebuilt his life in the U.S. But many refugees still need help adjusting to their new lives in Grand Rapids.

On behalf of the people of Darfur, Abubakar will present his story at 9:15 p.m. on Wednesday in room 2263 of Kirkhof Center. A short question and answer session will follow the talk.

Abubakar said after he escaped Darfur and came as a refugee to the U.S., he could not stop thinking about the people he had left behind.

When he received money to pay rent on his living quarters in Grand Rapids, not knowing for what purpose the money was intended, he sent the full amount back to Darfur.

"I want to do something for humans," he said. "I want to let them know suffering will someday end."

Now, Abubakar has a job and drives himself around the city in his own car. He works with the hospital as an interpreter and teaches English to other refugees who come to Grand Rapids from Darfur.

"Education, I think, is the key to life," he said.

Therefore, Abubakar also looks to earn a master's degree at Grand Valley State University, building on the undergraduate degree he received overseas.

However, the lives of refugees in Grand Rapids are not easy at the start.

Four volunteers, who represent Save Darfur Grand Rapids and the Michigan Darfur Coalition provide most of the support for the refugees, who work to learn English and computer skills.

They seek employment while learning and re-learning day-to-day tasks such as driving, shopping, budgeting and filling out medical forms.

One refugee, Nadifa, has begun making jewelry to help support herself. Her beadwork will be on sale at Abubakar's presentation for $10.

"I escaped to a refugee camp with my daughter ZamZam," Nadifa wrote on cards accompanying her hand-crafted jewelry. "I hope that when you wear my jewelry, you are reminded of the other refugees from Darfur who are still suffering."

Despite the small support base of volunteers, Grand Rapids serves as Michigan's hot spot to receive refugees. More refugees continue to move into the area, placed by organizations such as Lutheran Social Services and Bethany House.

Volunteers expect a group of Haiti survivors to arrive in the near future.

A group of Honors students conducting a collective independent study have begun to rally others in the campus community to reach out to the refugees.

"I think that as college students we see people like Abubakar and feel like we have nothing to offer him, but through volunteering everyone has a chance to give back," said Emily Larson, one of the students gathering volunteers to work with the refugees. "When I first met Abubakar I only heard him talk for an hour, but I knew after that I had to do something to help. I am hoping that others will feel the same way after hearing his story."

The refugees require home tutoring in English and computer skills.

All tutors participate in an orientation with one of the regular volunteers, and on the first home visit, a volunteer accompanies each tutor.

Even more than learning how to manage in a new place, the refugees need to understand community members do care.

"Get to feel you can incorporate them as a family member - make them feel important and that they are cared about," said coordinator of refugee arrivals Sarah Staples.

Sign-up sheets will be available at Abubakar's presentation, and some of the volunteers will be on-hand to answer questions about volunteering.

sskowronek@lanthorn.com

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