Muncie Schools helps register its first Afghan refugee family for school in early November. The family has seven boys, ages 6-18. Image provided by Muncie Community Schools
MUNCIE — As Delaware County began welcoming its first Afghan refugees-turned-new-residents in October, the Muncie Community Schools district is now working to create a seamless transition and safe learning environment for their children as they acclimate to American life.
The school district welcomed its first family, which included seven boys ages 6-18, last week. MCS has partnered with the Muncie Afghan Refugee Resettlement Committee (MARRC), which was formed after thousands fled Afghanistan in August as U.S. forces withdrew and the Taliban took control of the country.
A sub-group of Bibi Bahrami's AWAKEN, the group has worked to resettle Afghan refugees in Muncie and provide them with housing, food, clothing and other support as they arrive in the city.
A 'fresh start'
While it is unknown exactly how many new neighbors Muncie will be receiving, MCS Director of Public Education and CEO Lee Ann Kwiatkowski and MCS Board President Jim Williams told The Star Press about the process the new students will go through as they enroll in school.
"We have people who are fearing for their safety in their country and they're looking for a fresh start in the United States," Williams said. "Candidly, that's what this country is built on. We'll do everything possible to provide the foundation for these parents and these kids to be successful as residents of the United States."
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