Presenter
Presented by Mr. Ricciardi
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WHEREAS, this year, a total of 180 Somali Bantu refugees are expected to relocate to the Greater Pittsburgh Area, bringing with them their hopes and aspirations of a new and peaceful life; and
WHEREAS, the Pittsburgh Refugee Center is a non-profit organization that empowers refugees living in the City of Pittsburgh to become self-sufficient by taking control of their lives by becoming active participants in planning and managing their own growth and development as they integrate into their new communities; and
WHEREAS, the executive director of the Pittsburgh Refugee Center is a native of Somalia and has twenty years of experience in working with refugee populations, both in the United States and in refugee camps in Pakistan and Kenya. For the past seven years, Khadra Mohammed has advocated on behalf of local refugees and brought refugee issues to the attention of the greater Pittsburgh community; and
WHEREAS, the National Black Child Development Institute has been steadfast in improving and protecting the lives of African American children and youth on the national and local levels for the past 31 years. The Institute has worked to improve child welfare services, make universal early care and education a reality, build family support services, press for educational reform and provide vital information on children's health projects; and
WHEREAS, working together with the Pittsburgh Public Schools, the Pittsburgh Refugee Center and the National Black Child Development Institute Pittsburgh Affiliate will ensure that the Somali Bantu find peace, prosperity and hope in their adoptive new home; and
WHEREAS, on August 22, 2004, the National Black Child Development Institute Pittsburgh Affiliate and the Pittsburgh Public School Board with the Pittsburgh Refugee Center will celebrate Sodawo-an event for all residents of the City of Pittsburgh to come and meet their newest neighbors from Somalia.
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