Fahim, 18, USA
Basic need(s):
Education, Health, Safety
Project:
DREAM Act
Fahim and his family immigrated to the United States in 2005 from Bangladesh where his father had been a colonel in the army and his mother a teacher. As an immigrant, he became enveloped in their plight, the all too familiar closed doors and lack of recognition. “It was difficult because these are our fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers, families and friends and just because of their immigration status they are deprived of the education they deserve.” Fahim immediately aligned himself with Global Kids, a program which plans and executes campaigns against human rights violations. The organization’s most recent campaign was “Higher Education for Undocumented Immigrants” in which Fahim spearheaded the movement as youth leader. His role put him in charge of everything from research to discussions with victims. As a senior member of the association, Fahim met with local representatives and Assemblymen Jose Peralta and Michael Gianaris, participated in powwows with college admission committees and even moderated a round table meeting. The end goal of all of these activities was to create awareness and ultimately pass the “DREAM” Act (Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors). “The point is that instead of neglecting all of these people we should embrace them and utilize all of their talents for the development of the U.S.” This year’s campaign deals with ending discrimination based on any physical, religious, spiritual, ethnic, financial and social criteria.
