Iskash*taa Refugee Harvesting Network
Iskash*taa, a Tucson-based grassroots organization, is a network of volunteers and Somali Bantu refugees who locate, glean, harvest, and redistribute locally grown fruits and vegetables. The refugees speak Maay Maay and are learning English. Iskash*taa's primary goal is to increase local food security and improve nutrition among refugees with fresh organic greens from people's gardens, tomatoes, pumpkins, and squash from local farms, and thousands of fruits, often citrus, harvested from backyards around Pima County. During this process, refugees learn the geography of Tucson, gain social skills, and improve their English. Most importantly, the refugees are able to work cooperatively and help themselves.
Members from First UCC have offered literacy and English tutoring, provided much needed nursery assistance while parents take English classes, helped with transportation, found harvesting locations, and harvested thousands of fruits. FYI 24/7 youth have learned about refugees and harvested with teens from Somalia. Many clothes and other donations have been collected at the church for refugees, including hundreds of cloths hangers. We are also raising funds to create a documentary film on Somali Bantu refugees by Mind's Eye Productions.
History of the Somali Bantu
In
the 1800s, the Somali Bantu were brought forcibly to Somalia from Mozambique, Tanzania, and Malawi. Before the war broke out in
the early 1990s they were successful farmers along fertile river valleys in
southern Somalia.
But after spending years as victims of war and persecution, often due to their
ethnic background, they fled for their lives to Kenya, where many have spent over a
decade in refugee camps.
For more information, email Dr. Barbara Eiswerth, refugee liaison, at eiswerth@cox.net.
"I was a stranger, and you welcomed me." - Matthew 25:35
No experience necessary - volunteer opportunities with refugees abound.
Coffee, Chai, and Chocolate with a Conscience
You can purchase fair trade coffee from First UCC, to support work with
Somali Bantu Refugees, for the same price and less effort than you can
at local stores. At the same time, you will be supporting local
refugees, community development programs toward a sustainable future,
and conservation work in developing countries through fair trade
coffee and tea production.
2005 General Synod declared UCC to be a fair trade denomination.
What we offer:
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The finest, 100% Arabica, shade grown, specialty coffee, chai,
and hot chocolate
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Organic coffee, chai, and cocoa grown with a mind towards a sustainable future
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One of the freshest roasted highest quality cups of coffee available
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Products are months fresher than the grocer and even much
fresher than most coffee shops
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All products cost only $10, competitive with fairly traded
products sold locally.
Ugly Mug Products are being sold by Iskash*taa at First UCC, Bentley's House of Coffee and Tea on Speedway, and Tucson Community Supported Agriculture (300 E. University Blvd., Suite 146), Azure Skies Global
Gifts (808 E. University Blvd.), and will soon be available at the UNICEF Shop (2911 E. Grant Road) and.
Ugly Mug Products for sale directly after Sunday service in the
Fellowship Hall. The coffee is located in the kitchen in the cabinet right of
the door. Money is to be deposited in the "Somali Bantu coffee can” (all
products are $10.) An order sheet can be found in the same cabinet on a clip
board. Or contact Barbara Eiswerth at eiswerth@cox.net to order today or for
additional information.
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Iskash*taa wants your used, clean Chop Stix to help stay-at-home refugee moms in a new beading project. Beautiful beaded hair ornaments and plant jewelry will be fashioned from your chop stix. Search those kitchen drawer and carry out your used chop stix after eating out and bring the chop stix to church!!! Chop stix collection basket can be found in the fellowship hall.
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