Important Items to Consider for Supporting Afghan Refugee Students
The complete withdrawal of United States troops from Afghanistan on August 30, 2021, was historic. Officials estimate airlifting more than 123,000 people out of Kabul — and although exact numbers are not yet specific, thousands will settle in the US as refugees.
Many have arrived in Dulles Airport in Virginia and, according to the State Department, will be eligible to settle in several American cities — including in Chicago, Denver, Buffalo NY, Portland, Ore., St. Louis, Philadelphia, and Austin, Texas (among others).
The school-age children of these settlers will undoubtedly transition into American schools where their classmates only know of a world where the US was embroiled in a war in Afghanistan that just recently ended. Many American students have family members who served in Afghanistan and for some, it is a sore spot. Our schools and educators can play an important role in helping others in the community empathize with refugee students.
At a quick glance, here are some critical items for schools and educators to know and share with staff, parents, and students:
- Prior to the 1970s, Afghanistan had made considerable strides towards peace and progress for its people but due to war and internal fighting, today the country is extremely dangerous — especially for young girls and women.
- Many of the Afghan refugees and their families aided the US military and coalition forces.
- A new NPR/Ipsos poll shows that over two-thirds of Americans support resettling Afghan allies in the United States.
- Due to ideological clashes with the current leaders of Afghanistan, many of them have left their country in fear for their safety.
- Many have lost loved ones, their homes, aspects of their culture, and their country.
The following are other critical items for schools and teachers to consider for connecting with Afghan students and for their arrival.
Afghanistan has had a long struggle with Women’s rights
What teachers need to know:
- Women have struggled for their rights in Afghanistan for years.
- Young girls have been kidnapped, raped, victimized, and denied their right to attend school and work.
- Many young girls have high levels of both emotional and psychological trauma and they will need support in coping and healing.
Ways for schools to raise equity for Afghan girls:
- Have trauma-informed staff and grief counseling available.
- Allow them to enter rigorous academic and career pathways.
- Allow them opportunities to shine and showcase their academic transfer through public products (PBL).
Religious and spiritual beliefs of Afghan Students
What teachers need to know:
- Islam is the major religion in Afghanistan but not the only religion or spiritual belief held by Afghans. Although Islamic beliefs and values have typically governed the country, disagreements in interpretation of Islamic Law (Sharia) have torn the country apart.
- The Afghan people have been subjected to extreme and violent interpretations of Sharia Law.
- After the terror attacks on September 11, many Afghans along with countless other Muslims have been the victims of Islamophobia.
Ways for schools to help Afghan students integrate:
- Boost up cultural proficiency of Afghan culture among school staff.
- Validate the cultural assets of students (e.g, diet, hijab, daily prayers, etc.)
- Support fasting during Ramadan.
- Acknowledge the Eid holidays.
Many will be English language learners
What teachers need to know:
- The people of Afghanistan speak several languages — but primarily Pashto and Dari.
- Some may speak English but many will be English language learners when they enter school.
Ways to support Afghan ELLs:
- Provide interpreters if possible.
- Provide scaffolds that allow the use of their native language to begin grasping English.
- Provide them an American student partner.
- Empathy mapping between students.
