Important Items to Consider for Supporting Afghan Refugee Students

Ways for schools to raise equity for Afghan girls

• Have trauma-informed staff and grief counseling available.
• Allow them to enter rigorous academic and career pathways.
• Allow them opportunities to shine and showcase their academic transfer through public products (PBL).

Religious and spiritual beliefs of Afghan Students

What teachers need to know:

• Islam is the major religion in Afghanistan but not the only religion or spiritual belief held by Afghans. Although Islamic beliefs and values have typically governed the country, disagreements in interpretation of Islamic Law (Sharia) have torn the country apart.
• The Afghan people have been subjected to extreme and violent interpretations of Sharia Law.
• After the terror attacks on September 11, many Afghans along with countless other Muslims have been the victims of Islamophobia

Ways for schools to help Afghan students integrate:

• Boost up cultural proficiency of Afghan culture among school staff.
• Validate the cultural assets of students (e.g, diet, hijab, daily prayers, etc.)
• Support fasting during Ramadan.
• Acknowledge the Eid holidays.

Many will be English language learners

What teachers need to know:

• The people of Afghanistan speak several languages— but primarily Pashto and Dari.
• Some may speak English but many will be English language learners when they enter school.

Ways to support Afghan ELLs:

• Provide interpreters if possible.
• Provide scaffolds that allow the use of their native language to begin grasping English.
• Provide them an American student partner.
• Empathy mappingbetween student

Full Article: medium.com/lifelong-learning-defined-for-peak-performance-in/important-items-to-consider-for-supporting-aghan-refugee-students-9dbaeabd6a63 By Jorge Valenzuela Education Coach, Author, and Advocate www.lifelonglearningdefined.com