For a third consecutive year, Alvernia's To Be A Refugee simulation allowed students to experience an impactful journey that raises awareness of the experiences of those who enter a new country after being forced to leave their homeland by war, persecution or other disasters.
The event is planned and organized by Alvernia students and the Office of Mission and Ministry, the self-paced journey helps participants experience life from multiple aspects that include checkpoints, housing, health, education and food services.
The refugee journey is designed to simulate the path one takes from home to camp and then highlights action steps to support the plight of refugees.
"This is a place that gives you a detailed experience on what happens," said Alvernia campus minister and residence director Stephanie Gonzalez. "The stations represent the different components of the refugee experience and allow us to tell stories that we may not always have the opportunity to tell in other forms."
To Be a Refugee was created by alumna Alyssa Keifer, a 2018 graduate who received the Fromm Interfaith Scholarship during her senior year to raise awareness for the plight of refugees. The project is now part of the peace and social justice pillar of the Office of Mission and Ministry.
Oct 28, 2019
