<div>Dear Friends:
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<div>Last year, the US State Department started a program called the Welcome Corps, which enables US citizens to sponsor refugee individuals and families to be resettled in the U.S. Through this fundraiser, I hope to host my Rohingya friend currently living with his wife and two children in Cox's Bazar in Bangladesh. To support the family, I will need a group of at least 4 people to join me to provide them with intensive support for the first three months after their arrival here. Assistance will include finding and furnishing housing, transporting the family from the airport when they arrive, supporting the family as they establish themselves in a new country, arranging English lessons, assisting with searching for and applying to jobs, helping with filing US paperwork, applying for public assistance, registering the kids for school, initial health assessments, etc.
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<div>About Solim
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<div>He fled Myanmar with his family during coordinated attacks by the Myanmar military on Rohingya villages in Rakhine State. Entire villages were burned, hundreds were arrested, and thousands were killed. Around 700,000 people fled to neighboring Bangladesh, where they have been living in overcrowded camps ever since.
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<div>Solim is a human rights defender, activist, and founder of a community-based organization that he established in August 2023 within the refugee camp. His organization advocates for peace, justice, and rebuilding hope for his persecuted community. He continues to work tirelessly to bring peace and hope to his people.
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<div>Before fleeing Myanmar, Solim worked as a primary school teacher, supporting education programs. He is married with two young children, ages 5 and 2, and he is desperate for them to have a future. Unfortunately, educational opportunities in the camps are extremely limited—schooling beyond early primary levels is not allowed, as the Bangladesh government fears that providing education will encourage refugees to stay permanently. Job opportunities are also scarce. It remains unsafe for Rohingya to return to Myanmar, with ongoing violence in Rakhine State and continued conflict following the 2021 coup.
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<div>We are seeking help in two ways:
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<div>1. Direct Involvement - We are looking for folks within 50 miles of New Haven, CT to join the direct support group. There is a range of opportunities available, from housing to employment to healthcare, and we appreciate however much you are able to take on. Every bit counts! The more volunteers, the more we can share responsibilities across the group. Cities within 50 miles include: Hartford, Bridgeport, Waterbury, Stamford, Greenwich, New London, New Britain, Norwalk, Canaan, White Plains (NY), Riverhead (NY), Tarrytown (NY), Rye (NY), etc. If you are not within 50 miles, but would still like to help, please let us know <a href="https://gmail.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">[email redacted]</a>!
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<div>2. Financial Support - To apply to the Welcome Corps, first we need to show proof of fundraising $5,820, then before their arrival we will need to show proof of fundraising $9,700. All of this money will go towards the family's resettlement and directly to the family members.
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<div>I understand that this is a big ask and many of us have very busy lives, so we deeply appreciate any support you are able to provide - it all adds up to a lot! I am eager to help my friend and his family because they have been awaiting resettlement for nearly 7 years in the largest refugee camp in the world at Cox's Bazaar in Bangladesh. Monsoon season brings heavy rainfall which makes the camp prone to landslides and flooding. Their self-constructed homes made of bamboo and tarps are not strong enough to protect them from the elements and must be frequently rebuilt. Overcrowding and gang violence create more issues. Every day, many refugees are injured or die from these conditions. I am hopeful that we can provide his family with the support and opportunity his family needs. I hope you will join me!
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<div>Thank you and take care!
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Sophia Buddhadasa

Anonymous

Robert Stainton

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