Spring Break
AAUW walks barefoot for Sudanese refugees
Amanda Weedon
Issue date: 4/22/08 Section: Campus News
The UTM student chapter of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) will be walking barefoot on campus Thursday, April 24, to raise money for the Sudanese Community and Women's Services Center in Nashville.
Jennifer Swegles, AAUW student president, said the chapter chose the Sudanese refugee center because members believe the refugees do not have equitable opportunities in America.
For the past few years, genocide has been ongoing in Sudan, causing its citizens to migrate to countries all over the world simply to protect their lives. Many end up in Nashville; in fact, 8,000 Sudanese refugees currently reside in Middle Tennessee, Swegles said.
All funds raised will go toward ESL (English as a Second Language) classes at the Center. The primary problem faced by refugees is the language barrier once they reach the United States. Many cannot read, write or speak English. Without the ability to communicate, life in America becomes difficult.
"Our particular focus is to ensure that Sudanese women receive equal and adequate education in English so they may be functioning members of American society, but we do not limit ourselves by excluding our assistance to men. What tends to occur is the wives of the Sudanese men are not educated whatsoever and this hinders their ability to learn English, which is a necessity in America," Swegles said.
AAUW also will have a table and donation bins in the UC from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday to provide more information on how to help Sudanese refugees.
"We feel that those who have and are able should help those who are not so fortunate," Swegles said. "This fundraiser will hopefully promote one of the mantras of AAUW: 'Because Equity is Still an Issue.' We are a new group on campus and hope that this fundraiser will also promote awareness of our existence while advocating a women's issue."
Tax-deductible donations can be made to the AAUW, UTM chapter, via Swegles or any other AAUW member. Donations also can be made directly to the Center at the following address: Sudanese Community and Women's Services Center, 3221 Nolensville Pike, Suite 103, Nashville, Tenn. 37211.
Jennifer Swegles, AAUW student president, said the chapter chose the Sudanese refugee center because members believe the refugees do not have equitable opportunities in America.
For the past few years, genocide has been ongoing in Sudan, causing its citizens to migrate to countries all over the world simply to protect their lives. Many end up in Nashville; in fact, 8,000 Sudanese refugees currently reside in Middle Tennessee, Swegles said.
All funds raised will go toward ESL (English as a Second Language) classes at the Center. The primary problem faced by refugees is the language barrier once they reach the United States. Many cannot read, write or speak English. Without the ability to communicate, life in America becomes difficult.
"Our particular focus is to ensure that Sudanese women receive equal and adequate education in English so they may be functioning members of American society, but we do not limit ourselves by excluding our assistance to men. What tends to occur is the wives of the Sudanese men are not educated whatsoever and this hinders their ability to learn English, which is a necessity in America," Swegles said.
AAUW also will have a table and donation bins in the UC from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday to provide more information on how to help Sudanese refugees.
"We feel that those who have and are able should help those who are not so fortunate," Swegles said. "This fundraiser will hopefully promote one of the mantras of AAUW: 'Because Equity is Still an Issue.' We are a new group on campus and hope that this fundraiser will also promote awareness of our existence while advocating a women's issue."
Tax-deductible donations can be made to the AAUW, UTM chapter, via Swegles or any other AAUW member. Donations also can be made directly to the Center at the following address: Sudanese Community and Women's Services Center, 3221 Nolensville Pike, Suite 103, Nashville, Tenn. 37211.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
chapelridgepimp
posted 4/22/09 @ 10:14 PM CST
This is an awesome, well written article, nice work!
Red Neckerson
posted 4/23/09 @ 6:41 AM CST
You know who else is slipping through the cracks? Topless dancers.
I sure hope UTM females come up with a plan to support them. I wonder what they could do. (Continued…)
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