Makin’ It Happen recently partnered with the Sudanese Community of New Hampshire to develop a training session for youth, parents, and community members. Twenty-six members were in attendance at a Zoom meeting on Friday, February 19th. The presentation was geared towards high school aged students and their families about the transition from high school to college with an emphasis on individual, family, and community protective factors.
The Sudanese Community of New Hampshire started in January 2021 with the goal to build a community to support Sudanese Americans living in New Hampshire. Board member Omayma Hassan indicated that the group provides support to ‘youth in homework, activities, and learning Arabic’ saying it is important for them ‘to remain connected to the community’. The group also celebrates events like International Women’s Day, Ramadan, Eid and more. They have weekly classes for youth at the South Willow Street Mosque but currently being held on Zoom. If anyone is interested in these classes they can reach out to Hind Bashier, Academic Secretary through the Sudanese Community of NH Facebook Page. Ahmed Jabir, a social worker in New Hampshire, is the President of the Sudanese Community of New Hampshire. To learn more about the Sudanese Community of New Hampshire visit their Facebook Page.
Southern New Hampshire University partnered with Makin’ It Happen to provide the presentation. Jane Skantze, Community Impact Manager with Makin’ It Happen worked with Darbi Roberts, Ed.D., Associate Dean, Southern New Hampshire University School of International Engagement and SNHU MBA student Hamza to provide the presentation to the community.
President Jabir greeted attendees at the presentation with the hope they would take away important information about the transition to college. Jane focused on substance use and mental health issues that young adults face including finding resources and support. Darbi and Hamza focused on what the transition to college is like and a Muslim students experience on campus. The presentation was followed by a question and answer session.
SNHU student Hamza, an international student from Tunisia, connected with the youth by telling them he was able to feel a part of the SNHU community while staying connected to his Muslim faith and not using substances. Hamza indicated that he enjoyed many activities on campus including the Muslim Student Association. Being a part of a faith community is a great protective factor for young adults in college. Protective factors are conditions or attributes in individuals, families, communities, or the larger society that mitigate or eliminate risk in families and communities, thereby increasing the health and well-being of individuals and their families.
The Sudanese Community of New Hampshire hopes to continue providing similar training to both youth and adults in the community! Makin’ It Happen is excited to continue our partnership with them!