After news broke about the discrimination and mistreatment of African students fleeing Ukraine following Russia's invasion last February, community organizer Asmara recognized that her charity, Asmara’s World, based in Germany, could step in to help.
With experience gained since its founding in 2016, the organization was able to swiftly mobilize volunteers, raise funds, and organize buses. Through effective use of social media, they garnered substantial online support to assist 120 students in evacuating to Germany.
“Platforms like Facebook and especially Instagram were instrumental in spreading awareness about the issue quickly, enabling us to raise over €20,000 within 48 hours, which was crucial for the evacuation,” Asmara explained to Upworthy. The group also utilized WhatsApp to maintain direct communication with the students as they fled Ukraine. In the months since, Asmara’s World has supported hundreds of additional young Africans fleeing the conflict, providing essentials like housing, clothing, and hygiene products as they begin to rebuild their lives.
Although the war in Ukraine has captured headlines globally, the refugee crisis extends far beyond its borders. By early 2022, over 82 million people were displaced worldwide due to war, conflict, and other crises. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine exacerbated this situation, pushing the total to over 100 million.
No single organization can adequately address the challenges faced by so many displaced individuals. A multifaceted response is needed, combining large global organizations with grassroots initiatives to ensure that those affected can find safety and rebuild their lives.
Asmara’s World plays a vital role in this landscape. The organization is largely composed of refugees or individuals with migration backgrounds, who have firsthand experience with the complexities of forced migration. Its members hail from various countries, including Eritrea, Senegal, Gambia, Cape Verde, Poland, Nigeria, Afghanistan, Lebanon, and Iran, and provide essential support during evacuations, deportation prevention, language learning, and more.
“Asmara’s World acts as a cultural bridge and aids both institutions and individuals in understanding diverse concerns and aspirations,” Asmara noted. The organization emphasizes an “empowerment approach” in supporting refugees, recognizing that they are intelligent and resourceful individuals eager to learn—what they need are opportunities to utilize their skills.
In addition to securing housing and food, one of Asmara’s World’s primary objectives is to ensure that refugees receive the education necessary for success in their new environment, such as learning the German language.
“It’s essential for them to reach a B2 language level quickly so they can apply to universities,” Asmara stated, emphasizing that this is a prerequisite for their academic pursuits. (B2 represents an advanced fluency level required for higher education.)
The traumatic experiences that forced these individuals to flee also weigh heavily on them.
“Many of them are psychologically drained and traumatized,” Asmara shared. “Asmara’s World provides a safe environment where they can feel empowered and work toward concrete solutions.” The organization offers everything from professional counseling to legal advice, guiding refugees through bureaucratic hurdles while also serving as a compassionate source of emotional support—a crucial need that persists even after they have escaped from conflict.
“Many BIPOC [Black, Indigenous, and People of Color] are wandering through Europe without protection, unsure of where to turn, facing pressure to return to their countries of origin, even though many haven't lived there for years and have grown up in Ukraine,” Asmara explained. Even if they wished to return, for most, it is simply not feasible. “Families have gone into debt to finance their studies in Ukraine and are now financially struggling.”
Every aspect of a refugee’s journey requires funding. Asmara’s World utilizes Facebook and Instagram to raise awareness and solicit donations, while WhatsApp helps organize activities and share information. Social media also serves as a networking tool with other non-profits. As news of their efforts spread early in the war, Asmara’s World received support from Medico International, a humanitarian organization that provided funds for rescue operations and basic aid.
The refugee crisis is not something that can be resolved overnight. However, with ongoing support, organizations like Asmara’s World can assist those forced to flee violence in finding peaceful homes where they can not only survive but also thrive.