by Nasrin Nawa | Nebraska Extension
Lincoln, Neb. —“Nebraska Extension is for everyone, from lifelong Nebraskans to those who’ve moved here for a better life. We’re here to help them co-create it,” said Charles Stoltenow, dean and director of Extension.”
The Nutrition Education Program (NEP), an integral component of the Food, Nutrition and Health program area at Nebraska Extension, has been instrumental in supporting refugee women, particularly Afghan women, in their transition to life in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Nebraska Extension EFNEP Assistant, Zahraa Rida highlights that the program initially focused on offering nutrition education sessions specifically designed for Afghan women. However, as they engaged with the group, they discovered additional challenges faced by the women, including navigating the school system, addressing mental health concerns, and accessing transportation and translation services.
NEP, which serves families with low-income, seeks to equip participants with essential nutrition knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviors to enhance their overall well-being. Supported by funding from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – Education Division (SNAP-Ed) and the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP), NEP aims to empower individuals to make informed decisions about nutrition and adopt healthier dietary habits.
Recognizing the need for comprehensive support, Rida reached out to the Nebraska Department of Education and established a collaboration to empower Afghan refugee women with children through the Afghan Refugee School Impact grants.
“In partnership with valued allies like the Asian Cultural Center and UNL Extension in Lancaster County, we are actively involved in building bridges and engaging Afghan families in Nebraska by providing resources to improve well-being and enhance education,” said Zainab Rida, equity officer and administrator at the Nebraska Department of Education. “Through this initiative, we are deeply committed to offering culturally sensitive and linguistically appropriate assistance to Afghan refugee students and their families, fostering their seamless integration and prosperity within our community.”
“Together, we worked tirelessly to provide these women with the tools and resources they needed to thrive in their new community, she said. From nutrition education to navigating the education system and accessing mental health services, our goal was to empower these women to build a better future for themselves and their families.”
Nilofar Saidi, Afghan health and program coordinator at the Asian Community & Cultural Center for Refugees, expressed gratitude for the collaboration, noting its “life-changing” impact on the women in their community. Witnessing remarkable transformations, Saidi highlighted how many women learned to drive, enhancing their employment opportunities and independence while also adopting healthier eating habits for themselves and their families.
Saidi herself is an Afghan refugee who migrated 16 years ago to the U.S. and she shifted her career from a medic to social work to help other Afghan newcomers to integrate better with communities.
“Since joining this group, I’ve noticed a significant increase in my confidence in navigating the area and accessing resources,” said Frishta Shirzad one of the Afghan refugees “Their assistance has been invaluable in various aspects of our lives.”
Roqaya Rasuli, another Afghan woman refugee, stated, “Initially, I believed it was solely focused on a project and formal schedules, but I’ve discovered they extend their support to numerous areas based on our need. Through their guidance, I’ve gained nutrition knowledge, I can read labels at the store to make better nutrition decisions for my children and I’ve also found a community of women who share similar experiences and obstacles."
“Thanks to Zahraa’s assistance in connecting me with the resources, I’ve gained the ability to drive and commute to work independently, said Rasooli. “This newfound freedom has made a significant difference in my life.”
More than 55 Afghan women in Nebraska participated in this collaboration.
EFNEP is a community outreach program that is federally funded and is operated through the 1862 and 1890 land-grant universities. Funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture program, EFNEP uses education to support participants’ efforts toward self-sufficiency, nutritional health and well-being. EFNEP combines hands-on learning, applied science and program data to ensure program effectiveness, efficiency and accountability.