Two events organized by Doria El Kerdany, Lecturer in the Arabic program, brought local Syrian families into contact with Arabic language students this spring, allowing them to learn from each other. First, on March 4, twenty Syrian families from Carrboro, Durham, and Raleigh gathered in New West to learn about the local transit system and community services from students in the Arabic program who presented in both English and Arabic. This event was also a fundraiser with community donations going toward the support of the families.
Second, on April 20, members of three Syrian families visited students enrolled in all of the Arabic language classes, from first- through third-year. Speaking in Arabic, they shared with students their life experiences in Syria, the Syrian Civil War, their journeys from Syria to the U.S., and their hopes for the future.