By Andrew W., 6th Grade, Krieger Schechter Day School of Chizuk Amuno Congregation
Dessalegn NegeriGuyo, a refugee from Ethiopia, visited Krieger Schechter Day School in January to share his life’s journey with students in the sixth grade. His visit connected to the book “Refugee”by Alan Gratz, which chronicles the stories of three teen refugees from three different time periods and parts of the world. The students read the novel and followed the characters in “Refugee,” who escape their homes in search of safety.
Andrea Mitton, English teacher at KSDS, arranged for Negeri Guyo, who lives at Galiad House in Baltimore, to speak to the students. Negeri Guyo spoke about his childhood, teen years, and life as a college instructor in Ethiopia. He also described the suffering he faced, including how he was jailed and tortured for speaking against the government. Negeri Guyo’s presentation was followed by a question and answer session.
Mitton wanted someone who was actually a refugee to talk to the sixth-graders. “I know there are a lot of people in our area who have gone through similar experiences as the characters in the book we are reading,” she said.
Jacob T., a sixth-grade student at KSDS, was “shocked to learn that [Negeri Guyo] was beaten in jail for speaking out against the government. Why would the government use its resources to shut down an opinion different from theirs?” he asked. Jacob also said that he now has a better understanding of the book because the guest speaker made him more knowledgeable “about the hardships that people face in Third World countries,” and he could compare and contrast Negeri Guyo’s experiences with the characters in the book.
Negeri Guyo’s presentation, which included powerful and frightening experiences, expanded students’ knowledge of what it actually means to be a refugee. Students’ responses and questions confirmed their curiosity about his life. During Negeri Guyo’s presentation, the room was silent; every student listened intently.
The presentation was very well thought out and interesting to the students, many of whom had never had the opportunity to interact with a current refugee.
The sixth-graders at KSDS definitely have a better understanding of the book “Refugee”and refugees in real life thanks to Negeri Guyo’s candidness and willingness to share his story.
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