June 8, 2009

The numbers are startling: There are approximately 14 million refugees and asylum seekers in the world. Refugees live in camps for an average of 17 years. Eighty percent of the world's refugees are women and children.

The statistics are so overwhelming that it can be too easy to forget the humanity behind the figures. That's why this year's World Refugee Day Chicago, Saturday, June 20, has a theme of "Real People, Real Needs."

"We want people to recognize that refugees are of all ages and populations. They have different needs, and we can have an impact on helping with those needs," says Darwensi Clark, Heartland Alliance's manager of resettlement, placement and adjustment services for refugees and a member of the World Refugee Day committee. "For refugees settled in the U.S., for example, the children are often the only ones in the family speaking English; they're the conduit that helps the family acculturate faster. It can be an awful lot of responsibility for a ten-year-old."

Heartland Alliance helps refugees succeed in their new home in many ways, none more important than our youth programs. Our annual Summer Youth Program for refugees from countries all over the world began just a few weeks ago, where kids age 9 – 17 meet new friends, practice their English, discover more about their new city and have some fun. During the school year, we offer refugee youth an after-school course that provides tutoring and substance abuse prevention education, an all-refugee soccer league, and our teen Youth Leadership Network.

"Year after year we've concentrated on youth as a big part of what we do, because we know they're in such a delicate situation," Clark says.

Since 2002, Chicago has commemorated World Refugee Day by organizing events that educate the public about refugee needs and celebrate the cultural heritage that each refugee brings to the United States. This year's event is a musical celebration at the Old Town School of Folk Music honoring Chicago's growing refugee community.

In addition to performances from eight local artists from around the world, the event will offer those who attend a chance to learn more about volunteering for Heartland Alliance and other local agencies that provide services to refugees arriving to the city, as well as an opportunity to talk with refugees who can give perspective on the experience of coming to this country and acclimating to America.

"The event is a real opportunity for those of us working with refugees to talk with people and broaden our reach," Clark says. "And I've heard the bands and I think they're pretty captivating. It should be a great night to celebrate the work that so many people do to welcome thousands of refugees to Chicago every year."

Learn more about the World Refugee Day event

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