Nebraska Schools Partner with the Center for Afghanistan and Regional Studies to Better Serve Newcomers from Afghanistan and Beyond

In mid-January, a group of 13 educators from the school districts of Gretna and Elkhorn completed the 3-month Afghan Refugee School Impact course. The course was developed to support school districts as they work closely with students and families from Afghanistan and other countries. First launched in October 2023, the course had participants from Omaha, Millard, and Lincoln and has now expanded to other districts. The Center for Afghanistan and Regional Studies has also conducted summer seminars for professional development regarding the topic of refugee and immigrant populations. To date, nearly 300 Nebraska educators have benefited from the course and seminars since it began in the fall of 2023. The course framework consists of both online and in-person sessions as well as live synchronous Zoom sessions. Participants earn a digital badge through UNO’s noncredit microcredential course platform NU Advance. Course competencies include:

• Improved knowledge about tools to support the learning and acculturation process for refugee students as they become growing participators in the new culture and new language

• Strengthened pedagogical skills for supporting English language learners

• Increased awareness of the refugee experience and the core stressors and effects of displacement, trauma, acculturation, resettlement, and isolation

• Enhanced cross-cultural awareness and communication skills especially related to Afghan people, and motivation towards personal growth in cross-cultural competence

• Bolstered skills and innovative ideas for creating welcoming schools and classrooms

• Increased empathy towards those living through the refugee experience, and adeptness to support refugee students and families

The impact of the course has been significant because many gaps between schools and Afghans have been bridged. This course helps to facilitate the successful integration of Afghan refugees into U.S. school systems. It provides educators with an environment where they can ask questions and, at the same time, become more aware of their own culture. Course material can be applied to refugees and immigrants from other places, not only Afghanistan. Many topics are discussed and ideas for solutions come to the surface regarding cross-cultural understanding, health and well-being, and religious practices. Educators share what they learn with others in their schools and communities, creating a trickle-down effect.

See the quotes below from Gretna and Elkhorn participants.

Thank you so much! I loved the class!

Thanks for always sharing personal experiences!

Thank you for all your hard work with this class. My knowledge of the Afghan culture has grown so much!

I am more aware of similarities and differences among Afghan people. Learning more about our Afghan students background and culture will help foster a mutual respect and acceptance in our classroom.

I have some more practical tips that I can use when making home visits to families.

I learned about the idea of culture clash-- I've felt it, but didn't know it had a name. Also, that the remedy isn't to expect either side to 100% accommodate, but that each side should be aware and respectful is the goal. Finally, I learned some interesting facts about the gender norms and how each would interact with the other.

I was surprised how little I actually knew about Afghanistan prior to this.

In my school, the best thing I can do is share this information with my staff. Many of my teachers have never taught an English Learner (EL) student, and more specifically a refugee from Afghanistan.

For more information, or to inquire about taking the course or seminars, contact cstahl@unomaha.edu or call 402-554-4032.