The Nazari Family
After searching for a Syrian family came to no avail, I was connected to the Nazari family because of our common culture and language. The family knew little English, besides what the children were learning in ESL. Kowki was the head of the family, in my eyes. She was pregnant and had four other children. Her husband was suffering from a mental disorder because of trauma he had experienced by the Taliban in Afghanistan. I didn't see him very often, but I spent the majority of my time with the others. I became closest with the oldest daughter Sheeba and my mother became close with Kowki as well.
Donations
Thanks to everyone who donated items in and out of school, I was able to give the Nazari family a box of food, clothing, blankets, dishes, bangles, and about $600 to date.
A Day Out
My mother and I took the family out to Sam's Club and Walmart to get them winter shoes and jackets. Kowki, the mother, also needed maternity clothing. After our shopping trip, we treated them to McDonalds.
Raising Awareness
After the Nazari family left to continue their journey in Texas, I tried to use what I learned from them and teach others. March 15th, 2017, marked 6 years since the start of the Syrian Civil War. I decided to raise money by selling ribbons at school and having a bake sale at my mosque. All the money went to UNICEF.