ENH-UNHCR collaboration unveils insights on refugee empowerment
On April 1st 2024, the second brainstorming session of the collaboration between the Department of English and Humanities (ENH) and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) took place at 09C-16T, Brac University. The aim of this session was to shed light on refugees and the work undertaken by UNHCR to offer them protection and basic necessities. Attending this enlightening event were the esteemed Nahid Afrose Kabir, Professor of History in the Department of English and Humanities, and the honorable registrar of Brac University, Dr. David Dowland.
The enlightening event consisted of a presentation carried out by the gentleman Saleh Mohammad Shafi, a representative of UNHCR who conducted an engaging session simultaneously interacting with the attendees.
Photo Credit: Omar Ibtesam
He began the session by elaborating on the term “refugee” it’s definition while maintaining an interaction with the audience. Furthermore, he touched upon the classifications of displaced people, including internally displaced people, a notion most of the attendees were unaware of and were visibly intrigued to learn about. The session covered UNHCR’s formation history, their initial inspiration to aid the displaced, and their ongoing dedication. It emphasized refugee family planning and development, often overlooked. Insightful discussions delved into various distressing events causing displacement, such as the Rohingya refugee crisis in Bangladesh.
“With the correct steps taken, refugees too can have a prosperous future” said Saleh Mohammad Shafi as he concluded his presentation. The collaboration aims to host diverse student-led activities, including drama performances, creative writing, storytelling, installations/poster displays, and photography. This brainstorming session provided a platform for students to share their input and ideas for this meaningful initiative. Workshops will run throughout May and June to prepare for the event, and participants will receive certificates from UNHCR in acknowledgment of their valuable contributions.
