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Afghan Refugee Project

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Afghan Refugee Project at the University of Oklahoma

The OU College of International Studies is proud to partner with Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City to welcome Afghan refugees to the OKC metro area. Help us welcome our new residents!

OU Involvement

The College of International Studies at the University of Oklahoma is committed to helping with the resettlement of Afghan refugees. Departments across our College and the University of Oklahoma campus are contributing to the Afghan Refugee Project in the following ways:

  • The Center for English as a Second Language will provide English instruction
  • The Farzaneh Family Center for Iranian and Persian Gulf Studies will coordinate interpretation services
  • In conjunction with Catholic Charities, the university is exploring providing advice on careers, according to the evolving needs of the refugees. 
  • The university has launched a parallel initiative to bring several dislocated or at-risk Afghan scholars to OU over the next year to promote the exchange of ideas, research and teaching. The scholars, holding doctoral and master’s degrees with teaching experience at Afghan universities, will serve as instructors or guest lecturers in a variety of classes at OU.

The College of International Studies at OU continues to explore other ways to help. If your department or organization on campus has any ideas or resources you would like to contribute to the Afghan Refugee Project, please contact Scott Fritzen, Dean of the College of International Studies at sfritzen@ou.edu

Read more about our efforts

Read the Dean's letter in support of Afghan refugees

Donations

Make a Monetary Donation

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City is seeking monetary donations for furnishings, household goods, personal care and pantry supplies, and more. Gifts of any amount are appreciated, and Catholic Charities has prepared the following guide for underwriting levels:

  • $250-$500 provides a means to furnish and supply a bathroom
  • $500-$1,000 provides a means to furnish and supply bedrooms
  • $1,000-$2,500 provides a means to furnish and supply common areas like a kitchen or living room
  • $2,500+ provides a means to fully furnish and supply an entire apartment for a family

Donate now

 

Purchase Household Items

Catholic Charities of the Ardiocese of Oklahoma City is actively seeking household items that donors can purchase through their Amazon wishlist. Afghan families, many with young children, are arriving with very few possessions, so donations are greatly appreciated.

Shop the wishlist

Volunteer

Want to help? Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City is seeking volunteers to help with Afghan resettlement in the following areas:

  • Housing
    • Apartment setup
  • Airport Reception
    • Welcome teams
    • Help arrivals navigate through the airport
  • Transportation
    • Drivers
  • Interpretation
    • Translators
  • Donation Management
    • Warehousing
    • Inventory
    • Sorting/organizing
  • Education
    • School enrollment
    • Introducing parents to teachers
    • Gathering school supplies
  • English as a Second Language
    • ESL tutors and teachers
  • Social Security
    • Social security applications
    • Taking clients to social security appointments
  • Medical
    • Taking clients to Health Department
    • Taking clients to doctor appointments
    • Helping clients pick up medications and prescriptions
  • Legal Aid
    • Pro bono attorneys
    • Asylum applications