Des Moines Area Community College announced a donation Thursday that will help newcomers settling in central Iowa.
The college is partnering with Des Moines Refugee Support to donate 50 Chromebook laptops to Afghan refugees who are resettling in greater Des Moines after arriving with few clothes and possessions. The laptops are intended to help them connect with others in the area, pursue education, learn English, contact possible employers and reach family members back in Afghanistan.
“I can guarantee that this will help them a lot,” Nabi Mohammadi, a representative for the Afghan community who once served as a translator for the U.S. military, said at a news conference on Thursday. “I am with the people, and I hear what they say. I have heard that people have had to drop their classes because they couldn’t join the class with their phone. These will help them stay in those classes and help them learn and improve their English and improve their lives.”
Mohammadi also said the laptops will help them prepare for driving tests.
“These computers are probably the most valuable gift they can get,” he said.
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Erin Bell of the nonprofit Des Moines Refugee Support said the donation will be invaluable to the Afghan families resettling in the area.
“We are so glad that the Afghans are here. We regret the circumstances, but we are so glad that they are here and part of our community,” Bell said. “The community has been incredible. We are overwhelmed by all the support we have received.”
Bell said that cars were lined up down the road at a recent donation drive to drop off items for the families, and that the computers will change their lives.
“When we heard that Des Moines Refugee Support was helping dozens of Afghan refugees who came here with very few possessions, but a lot of hope, hope for their future, we wanted to help,” DMACC President Rob Denson. The laptops were donated through the information technology department.
Chris Higgins covers the eastern suburbs for the Register. Reach him at [email protected] or 515-423-5146 and follow him on Twitter @chris_higgins_.
