A Work in Progress: The American Dream

Over 70,000 refugees entered the United States last year, each one carrying dreams for a better future and a new place to call home. The quest to fulfill the American Dream did not die out in the mid-20th century; it continues to exist with every new arrival in the United Sates. To trek across the globe with hopes of owning a home, getting an education, and obtaining a career is incredibly hard work. Refugees or Asylees who have participated in Project SHINE initiatives are tremendous examples of the effort it takes to accomplish these goals in a completely different language. There is one particular couple this fall that has shone through the masses to determine their big plans for the future. Two months ago, Elsuleik and his wife, Arafa, arrived in the United States with their son. As refugees from Darfur, Sudan, life has not been easy for this couple, but they are working together to improve their lives.

Through the support of Nationalities Service Center, Elsuleik and Arafa attend the Project SHINE Workforce Development Program two days a week. With their young son in attendance each week, learning for this family can be a challenge. Both parents juggle the responsibility of learning English while caring for their energetic son. Elsuleik and Arafa both understand the value of what they’re learning atNSC and the incredible impact learning English and job skills will have on the joint success of their family. In his home country, Elsuleik attended university for Food & Science Technology where he received the equivalent of a Bachelor’s Degree. He worked as a teaching assistant at this university for some time. Elsuleik then went on to work as a nutrition specialist for the organization, Doctors Without Borders. His family traveled from Darfur to live in Syria and then, Lebanon before their final move to the United States. Elsuleik hopes that through these classes, he can improve his English-speaking skills and be able to better transition into the United States. After only two months of class, he feels more confident communicating with others and navigating the city. Elsuleik has big plans to go back to school here in Philadelphia to further his studies in Food & Science Technology with a Master’s Degree. Ever since he was a child, he has dreamt of becoming a professor and he hopes to fulfill that dream here in the United States.

By: Sarah Merusi