Laptops for Afghan Refugees

​​A group of staff at The Shriver Center at UMBC is working with our colleague Zareen Taj to assist Afghan refugees settled in the Baltimore and DC region. We are currently working to raise funds to purchase laptops to connect these new arrivals to virtual English as a Second Language (ESL)classes, the ability to complete online job applications, school work, and to access online resources and information that will help their families become better acclimated and connected.

 

We are working with The Lazarus Foundation to purchase discounted refurbished laptops that would cost $149.50 each. Our goal is to purchase 8 laptops and carrying cases that cost around $15 each, to ensure that the laptops are protected and stay in good condition. This would bring our total to approximately $1,300. In addition, we plan to distribute. the laptops to multiple families so that they can also work with and connect other new Afghan arrivals in their local area to online access and resources.

 

To learn more about the recent history and conflicts in Afghanistan we encourage to watch Afghanistan Twenty Years Later featuring Zareen where you can also learn more and hear about her journey and incredible activism.