On Friday, June 19th, the International Institute of Buffalo will host a festival in recognition of World Refugee Day 2009.
The event will highlight exhibits from the United Nations, featuring “UNHRC: Surviving Darfur,” a photo display about refugees in Darfur that documents the humanitarian crisis in Sudan and Chad. Another exhibit, “The Town that Loves Refugees,” will display images from Utica, New York where nearly one out of six residents is a resettled refugee.
Other displays include a collection inspired and created by Western New York refugees of educational literature and works from refugee vendors such as the Hope Refugee Sewing Project. In addition, a local documentary on the Refugee Resettlement Program will be shown.
The celebration begins at 12 PM at the International Institute of Buffalo located at 864 Delaware Avenue, and will continue until 8 PM. Admission is $10. The event will include an evening reception and cash bar from 5 PM until 7 PM.
Since 1918, the International Institute of Buffalo has helped refugees, immigrants and others who face language and cultural barriers become active members of the Western New York community. The Resettlement Program offers refugees housing assistance, health screening and English classes among its many services.
For more information on the upcoming World Refugee Celebration or the International Institute of Buffalo, please contact Elise Garvey at 883.1900 ext. 326.