On August 15, 2021, Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, fell under Taliban control. Since then, Afghans have been attempting to flee the country in search of safety and a better life. Due to this, there has been a refugee crisis and supplies are in high demand. We want to give care packages in hopes to support them in this time of need. These care packages would have essential items such as toiletries, first aid supplies, and sustenance. This project is significant to us because as second generation immigrants, we empathize with the refugee’s search for a better life. In this time of isolation, it is crucial that we are there for each other.
- Timeline: July – September 2021
- Key Members: Nathan Nguyen. Supervising Mentor: Dave Nguyen & Jim Kelman. Team Members: Aashee Balani, Alice Cao-Dao, Kathleen Pham
- Goal: Create 5 care packages to sponsor and aid 5 families. We contacted the Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area, an official organization that relocates families in the DMV area. The care packages provide essential house supplies for the refugees. In addition, we want to show awareness towards their mental health by providing thoughtful letters translated in Dari and Pashto and coloring books with art supplies for the kids. As for our quantitative result, we want the care packages to provide some necessities for the refugees and to create a sense of care and awareness by including thoughtful letters written by students. As for our team, we hope this project will increase our communication skills, teamwork, and time management.
- How: We teamed up with Lutheran Social Services, a non-profit that also has the same idea to support the Afghani refugees. The baseline package contain a toothbrush, toothpaste, towel, socks, water, oatmeal, pads, bandages, granola bars, hand sanitizer, hand soap, comb, masks, plates, utensils, paper towels/napkins, masks coloring books, art supplies.
- Result-To-Date: The care packages have been delivered to Lutheran Social Services on September 28,2021.
