Welcoming Our Neighbors to be Held at the Seekonk Public Library

A free public event, Welcoming Our Neighbors, will be held at the Seekonk Public Library (410 Newman Ave.) on Thursday, September 14, 2017 at 6:30 pm. Guest speakers will include Dr. Mayss Bajbouj-Kinjawi from AHOPE and Lozeau Brandon from Dorcas International Institute.

Dr. Bajbouj-Kinjawi is a professor of French and Arabic, and has been teaching since 2006 in different universities in Syria and in the USA, most recently at Boston College. She lived in different places since her childhood and her love for languages has exposed her to other cultures and she uses this passion to acquaint new migrant families to the American culture and make them feel at-home.

Brandon Lozeau is the Community Relations Manager at Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island. Brandon holds a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Political Science and French from the University of Massachusetts. He has a Master of Arts (M.A.) in International Political Economy from the University of Kent’s Brussels School of International Studies. Brandon has taught English as a second language (ESL) and Job Readiness classes in Rhode Island with immigrants, refugees, and low-income Rhode Islanders to help them gain skills for employment and economic self-sufficiency.

AHOPE (Americans Helping Others ProspEr) is a volunteer based organization that was established to assist new Syrian and other refugees coming to Rhode Island with little to their name. AHOPE is dedicated to helping families integrate into American society and is an entirely volunteer based organization.

Dorcas International Institute has been serving the needs of immigrants and refugees in Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts since 1921. Dorcas is committed to building on the diversity and strength of the people served as an investment in a stronger and more connected community. Individuals and families, especially the underserved, immigrants, and refugees, are empowered to become self-sufficient and fully participating members of our diverse community through innovative programs and advocacy that promote education, training, and cultural understanding.

The public is invited to learn more about the experience of immigrants and refugees in our communities. This Forum is free and open to the public with light refreshments and conversation to follow.

For additional information, contact Alyssa at (508) 639-9463
Sponsored by The Women’s March SEMA (Southeastern MA) Huddle