News            

Tony Aduro

Plagued with poor English skills and dire economic situations, many African immigrants and refugees have difficulty securing jobs and housing. Even more are forced to turn to public assistance.

“We want to immediately take them off welfare and help them become taxpaying citizens of Fort Wayne and America,” said Tony Aduro, AISEDA Executive Director and volunteer.

Through a large group of volunteer drivers, English as a Second language teachers, working African professionals and immigrants, AISEDA works with more than 100 Somali Bantu families in addition to those from Sierra Leone, the Congo, Sudan, Chad and other African countries. Citizenship referral, housing, employment and cultural assistance are provided free of charge, including to non-African immigrants and refugees.

Through Workforce Development’s Key Trains program, AISEDA volunteers have enabled 43 program participants to secure employment. While some volunteers transport program participants to and from work, volunteers also teach them how to drive.

While working and getting a feel for life away from their native countries, AISEDA clients also learn about the significance of credit history and how relevant it is in regards to home ownership through collaborations with NeighborWorks and local banks.

“A lot of people don’t understand why immigrants and refugees come here,” said Aduro. “But, they come to the U.S. because of strife in their home countries.”

That strife, explained Aduro, includes tribal conflicts exacerbated by political turmoil aided by western governments, religious conflicts such as that between the Muslims and Christians of northern and southern Sudan, ethnic tension and numerous other factors.

“Refugees stay in camps for an average of 10 years, waiting for basic supplies like food from the U.N. which never comes,” he said. some of “The displaced are often well-to-do, but they’ve lost their wealth and livelihood.”

Once in the U.S., Canada or another country, African refugees essentially are stuck there until they’re granted citizenship. It’s too dangerous, he added, for them to return to their native homes prior to becoming citizens of another country.

AISEDA volunteers also work with African youths to ensure they learn or remember their native country and culture while respecting that of others. Youths used to meet once a month, but now are meeting weekly.

“In the future, we want to impact U.S. legislation to benefit Africa and its investors,” said Aduro. “We also want to provide transitional housing for incoming Africans. But, for now, we want volunteers with good ideas who really want to help and empower the new Americans.”

For more information about AISEDA, call (260) 705-2728