SIT celebration marks Afghan new year, new Vermont beginnings

March 23rd, 2022 | School for International Training

BRATTLEBORO, Vermont—New and long-time Vermonters came together with friends and supporters March 20 at World Learning and the School for International Training for a celebration of Nowruz, a secular new year celebrated in Afghanistan, Iran, much of Central Asia, and beyond. Held during the vernal equinox, Nowruz—which means “new day”—celebrates rebirth and renewal and welcomes spring.

A table with grasses, flowers, nuts garlic, candles, vinegar and goldfish — The Haft Sin table, a centerpiece of a Nowruz event, features seven symbolic items that all start with the letter "sin."

More than 150 Afghan refugees, community volunteers, government officials and other supporters attended the joyful celebration, which featured traditional Afghan foods, music, poetry reading and dancing. During the afternoon, kites bobbed in the wind above campus as children and young men took part in the holiday kite-making and flying tradition. There was also egg and henna painting provided by members of Brattleboro’s Asian Cultural Center.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to honor an Afghan tradition while at the same time welcoming new Vermonters to our community,” said Dr. Sophia Howlett, president of School for International Training.

People in line for food. — Guests enjoyed traditional Afghan food.

Starting in December, World Learning and SIT have partnered with the Ethiopian Community Development Council (ECDC) to welcome and help resettle nearly 100 Afghans who fled their country during the Taliban takeover last summer.

Two women face forward smiling — Vermont State Refugee Director Tracy Dolan, left, with World Learning CEO Carol Jenkins

Noting that World Learning was founded 90 years ago this year, CEO Carol Jenkins said the resettlement effort aligns with the organization’s belief “that intercultural engagement expands world views and cultivates understanding and respect. It’s how we recognize the humanity in one another.”

A man and a woman face forward smiling — SIT Graduate Institute alumnus Joe Wiah, left, director of ECDC's Brattleboro office, with SIT President Dr. Sophia Howlett.

Joe Wiah, director of ECDC’s Brattleboro office, thanked the Afghans as well as the hundreds of local volunteers and co-sponsorship groups who have stepped forward to help with the resettlement: “This celebration of the new year marks a new life and new beginning as we collectively start a new life together as a community in Southern Vermont.” He also thanked State Refugee Director Tracy Dolan and Gov. Phil Scott for their support.

A man and child on the floor making a kite. The child holds a colored marker. — Vermonters enjoy the Nowruz tradition of kite-making.

Dolan, who was present at the celebration, spoke to the new Vermonters. “Today you are in Vermont, and I know you are in Afghanistan,” she said. “I know you are worried about your parents, your children, your aunts and your uncles. They are in our hearts too. I’m sorry they are not here. We think about them too. Thank you for coming to Vermont. You are lucky to be here, and we are lucky to have you.”

A man facing forward and speaking, featured on a TV screen — U.S. Congressman Peter Welch addressed the event via video.

In a recorded video, Congressman Peter Welch also welcomed the Afghans and said Vermonters are excited to have them here.

Ebrahim, an Afghan refugee who spoke at the event, said he and others are eager to turn the challenges of resettlement into opportunities. “We have been warmly welcomed by our American friends and that means a lot to us. … This is just the beginning, and we know we have a long journey ahead integrating into our new society. This new challenge will pass, but the Afghan Vermonters will not forget your generosity, your support, and your kindness,” said Ebrahim.

Since their arrival starting in January, the Afghans have been housed temporarily on the SIT campus, where SIT faculty and former faculty have provided classes in English and U.S. cultural orientation. At the same time, ECDC is helping them to find housing and employment in southern Vermont and to navigate government processes.

Hands being painted with decorative patterns in hanna — Henna hand painting is a traditional holiday custom in Afghanistan.

Other local nonprofit organizations are assisting with the resettlement effort, while ECDC has set up partnerships with faith and community groups as co-sponsors of Afghan families and individuals to help them navigate the challenges of a new country.

Most of the Afghan families have now moved off campus and into communities throughout the area, enrolled their children in school, and most households have found employment in full-time jobs with benefits. Most also plan to continue with English classes and local community activities.