'Nepali Applause' takes place May 27, 28 -- Gum-Dip Theatre (GDT) will present "Nepali Applause: An Open Air Market / Performance Festival," on Saturday, May 27 and Sunday, May 28 from noon to 6 p.m. at the Exchange House, 760 Elma Street, in Akron's North Hill. "Nepali Applause" is a multi-disciplinary performance that illustrates the rich history of the Nepali … [Read more...]
International Institute hosts Rep. Tim Ryan, publishes report on spending power, impact of refugees, immigrants
Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Ohio, paid a visit yesterday to International Institute of Akron, which was coordinated with a new report on Ohio Congressional District 13 that points to significant spending and voting power among foreign-born residents. The report points out that these residents also are critical to home ownership and the local workforce. During the visit, Ryan heard … [Read more...]
International Institute seeks tutors, conversation partners to help English learners
Refugees, immigrants and others can be tutored in the English language through the new Tutoring and Conversation program developed by the International Institute of Akron. This program allows participants to further their English speaking skills, learn about different cultures and help achieve self-sufficiency and success. Tutor and student pairs, or conversation partners, … [Read more...]
Himalayan Music Academy founder offers music classes, free Nepali language courses
Puspa Gajmer is on a mission to preserve and teach Nepali music and performing arts here in Akron. A noted local songwriter, guitarist and vocalist, Gajmer was a schoolteacher in Dhulabari Jhapa, Nepal, who taught music among other subjects. He later taught at a refugee camp in Nepal after he and his family were forced from their home. Through the Himalayan MUSIC Academy on … [Read more...]
North Hill cultural center, Airbnb prepares for February opening
Scott Read walks through the newly renovated house on Elma Street in the North Hill neighborhood, pointing out the amenities like a proud parent. And for good reason: this nearly 100-year-old building was formerly run-down and abandoned and has come a long way over the past year. This particular house, known as the Exchange House, will be the site of a cultural center and … [Read more...]
The price of freedom: a couple’s refugee journey from Iran to Akron (Guest Column)
Editor's note: After Kurosh and Jular converted to Christianity in Iran, they feared for their safety. When the pastor of their underground church was arrested, they decided to flee the country. Now the couple lives in Cuyahoga Falls and they both attend college: Kurosh wants to work in computer networking and Jular aspires to be a pharmacist. Below is an essay that Kurosh … [Read more...]
Refugee employees prove profitable for local businesses
Many of Akron’s resettled refugees were restricted from working during their time in the camps. Now that they’ve resettled, they’re excited to enter the workforce and form a sense of identity and independence, says Tiffany Stacy, regional manager of employment services for the International Institute of Akron (IIA). “A lot of our clients come from situations where they were … [Read more...]
Inquiring Minds debate program boosts speaking skills for internationally born students
A number of Akron children for whom English is a second language will improve their critical thinking and public presentation skills thanks to a two-week speech and debate camp created by International Institute of Akron. The refugee and immigrant resettlement agency launched the pilot program for about 20 middle school students this summer, called Inquiring Minds. Funded by … [Read more...]
World Relief Akron hosts author of ‘Seeking Refuge’
As a follow up to their recent event celebrating World Refugee Day, World Relief Akron has invited Matt Soerens, author of "Seeking Refuge," to share his thoughts on how the community can practically respond to the global refugee crisis. "Seeking Refuge," a book commissioned by Moody publishers, is the first book to offer an authoritative view on the global refugee … [Read more...]
Path to citizenship can be rocky for refugees, immigrants
Naturalization offers sense of identity, purpose for residents -- As a detainee in a refugee camp, Hsathablay Moo had no sense of belonging, no notion of self. “It seems like you’re an alien,” she says. “As a refugee for 24 years, I’d been through a lot, so much struggle, so much trauma, so many hardships; the one thing that was missing from my life was my identity.” Once … [Read more...]
