Halah (left) and Nadia (Photo: Dale Dong)
Thanks to the International Institute of Akron for sharing these interviews of children from local refugee families. Halah and Nadia say winter is their favorite season, and that they’re fond of reading, zoos and chocolate. They’re also grateful for the vital work performed by this agency.
HALAH, 7, Pakistan/Nepal
What do you like about Akron?
I like the flowers, greenery, candies. The people are so lovely and kind and the snow is so good.
What do you want to do when you grow up?
I want to be a teacher, because I want to teach people, so they can understand things.
What do you hope for your future?
I hope to eat chocolate candy. I hope that I will be kind for the people.
What do you hope for your family’s future?
That they will not be sick and be healthy. That Nadia will learn to be a doctor. I hope that my mom and dad take care of themselves and me and Nadia.
What do you like about school?
I like to read about things. Learning, reading books, my teachers
(Photo: Dale Dong)
Where is your favorite place in Akron?
International Institute, McDonalds to play, Cleveland
What do you like about IIA?
All things, people who work there
Favorite Color: Lime green, dark green and white
Favorite Food: Potato chips and jelly
Favorite Season: Winter
NADIA, 10, Pakistan/Nepal
What do you like about Akron?
Everything is neat and clean. I like that it’s a clean and safe place and the people are nice.
What do you want to do when you grow up?
A doctor because I want to help people who cannot offer the money.
What do you hope for your future?
A bright future helping others.
What do you hope for your family’s future?
They be kind to everyone.
What do you like to do in Akron?
Read books about people from different countries and go to school.
What do you like about school?
Teachers don’t force students to only read, they teach them in a good method.
Where is your favorite place in Akron?
Zoos and swimming pools
What do you like about IIA?
It has helped us.
Favorite Color: Pink and White
Favorite Food: Fried Fish
Favorite Season: Winter, because there is snow.
What charming little girls! Congratulations to the International Institute for the outstanding job of helping our refugee population with all the skills they need to succeed in America. One hundred years ago, North Hill was teaming with Italian and Polish immigrants seeking their bright futures in their new home. Now, we have refugees coming from the mid and far East, seeking a good life away from war-torn countries were it is almost impossible for a sweet little Pakistani girl to have good food and health care, let alone having the chance to grow up to be a teacher or doctor.
Good luck, girls. May your dreams come true!