Rhode Island refugees to share personal stories

As the issues of immigration and refugees continue to be debated in the United States, the Mercy Center for Spiritual Life is welcoming members of the University community to a program featuring three speakers who will share their personal stories about these issues.

Shukuru Mugwa, Ahmed Aden Mohamud and Uma Chapagain will share their stories from 5:30-7 p.m. Wednesday, April 5. As seating is limited, those wishing to attend the program (dinner included) should call the Mercy Center at (401) 341-2326.

Mugwa is a Congolese refugee who has been in the United States for three years. Before coming to Rhode Island, he spent 11 years in a refugee camp in Namibia. Mugwa is active in the Rhode Island refugee community, helping refugees to adapt and integrate into American society.

Mohamud is a Somalian refugee who has been in the United States since last August. He is the case manager at the Refugee Dream Center in Providence and works extensively in the refugee community.

Chapagain is a senior at Salve Regina. She came to the United States from Nepal seven years ago and will graduate in May with a degree in nursing.

Dr. Chad Raymond, associate professor and chairman of the Department of Cultural, Environmental and Global Studies, will also speak.