From Displacement to New Beginnings: The Challenges and Triumphs of Wichita’s Refugee Community

To raise awareness about the challenges faced by refugees worldwide, World Refugee Day is celebrated on Thursday. According to the UNHCR, an estimated 120 million people have been displaced from their home countries and this number continues to grow each year. Organizations like the International Rescue Committee play a vital role in helping refugees integrate into the community and adapt to life in a new country.

Machar Geu, a refugee from South Sudan, arrived in Wichita in February after spending most of his life in a refugee camp in Kenya. He had to leave his child and wife behind at the camp and the thought of them often weighs heavily on his mind. Despite the difficulties he has faced, Geu considers himself fortunate to have the opportunity to come to the United States. He describes his arrival in America as a new beginning and feels extremely welcomed in his new environment.

Nataliia Trafimovich, originally from Ukraine, came to Wichita a year ago and has found it challenging to adjust to the language and public transportation system. While she is grateful for the safety and happiness she has found in the United States, Trafimovich emphasizes that no one wants to be a refugee and that they would prefer to live in their own countries if circumstances allowed. She expresses deep appreciation for the support and connections she has found in her new community.

Tonight, the International Rescue Committee will hold its first gala, highlighting the importance of supporting and welcoming refugees as they strive to build new lives in unfamiliar surroundings. The event aims