A Birthday Celebration Filled With Hope- Mohammad's Story
"Mohammad Saighani remembers the fall and winter of last year as one of the most chaotic times of his life.
The 30-year-old and his brother, a government worker for Afghanistan’s now-fallen Ministry of Economy and Public Health, were among the final wave of people to evacuate the country during the United States’ military withdrawal.
When violence broke out at the airport in Kabul, Saighani suffered a stab wound on his right leg. That didn’t stop him from earning asylum status and flying out on a military plane."
This week, I received a text message from Mohammad, who asked me to share it with you all:
“Yesterday was i and my brother’s birthday. Last year, only one person wished me a happy birthday, That was my case manager, Now I am happy that I have many friends by my side. My brother and I celebrated my birthday…In the new society, we can slowly feel good in our life… Last year was the hardest year, but I got through it. We overcame all the problems. And today is the beginning of a new year, hoping to try to achieve our dreams.”
Earlier this year, I sat down with Mohammad and an interpreter to learn more about his journey. Mohammad shared:
“I am very grateful for all the support of the ACC staff. They have been a role model for me- to keep going. Bus passes, cash assistance, housing, and finding a job- the staff all worked very well together as a team to consider all of my needs.”
When Mohammad and Jamshid first arrived in the U.S., they spent several months at the Fort McCoy military base in Wisconsin. Mohammad described the feeling he had when he first entered the makeshift camp: “This is a country where we can start building a new, safe life.”
When the brothers finally landed at DIA after several months at the makeshift camp, an ACC staff member picked them up at the airport and made sure they had Halal food waiting for them upon arrival. Mohammad said, “That was a fantastic feeling, that someone respected us and our way of life. After that, they took us to the transition housing site in Denver. It was nice and clean.”
The brothers quickly found employment, working with ACC’s Match Grant Program which offers incentives to refugee community members who secure early employment. Mohammad shared:
"I have made a lot of connections with Americans. They invite us over and provide us items if we are short on something. I really appreciate their friendship and their guidance. I am attending ESL classes also- the instructors are very helpful. A special thanks to the President of the United States and the United States military, to the kindness of American citizens, and a special thank you to the leadership and staff at ACC. I want to keep on being a voice for all Afghans. I believe in freedom.”
As Mohammad walked in the doors for ACC's recent 'Refugee First Thanksgiving' event, he presented staff with several paintings he had done himself- featuring ACC's logo. Mohammad is pictured presenting the gift to Ron Buzard, ACC's Managing Director.
Written by Maria Farrier, ACC, & Matt Bloom, Colorado Public Radio