Nearly 300 Afghan newcomers from over 130 households joined us in Hayward, California for a Chromebook, food, and children’s book distribution on Sunday at Masjid Muhajirren.
As part of Hewlett Packard’s goal of accelerating digital equity for 150 million people by 2030, HP donated 2,250 to Afghan-American Foundation (AAF) and The 5ive Pillars Organization via the Welcome.US Exchange platform to bridge the tech gap among our newcomer Afghan community in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Local community and resettlement organizations, including the International Rescue Committee, Burma Refugee Family Network (BRFN), Refugee and Immigrant Transitions (RIT), ICNA Relief USA, and Ohlone Community College, joined us in welcoming hundreds of eligible newcomers to the distribution event at the Masjid Muhajireen.
Dozens of children received free Dari and Pashto children’s books that were graciously donated by Literacy Lifeline, an organization that provides dyslexia and reading programs for children. ICNA Relief USA provided hundreds of bags of rice, cooking oil, and other essentials to newcomer families.
We would like to extend a special thank you to our volunteers who traveled from across the Bay Area and beyond, including Santa Cruz and Sacramento, for helping our distribution efforts. We are also thankful to local elected leaders, including Hayward City Councilmember Sara Lamnin and City Councilmember-elect Julie Roche who aided our distribution efforts for this event.
The 5ive Pillars Organization is particularly grateful to Corporate eWaste Solutions (CEWS) in Hayward for generously providing storage space for our supplies, including Chromebooks. We are thankful to CEWS staff for providing a vital role in ensuring the security and safety of supplies so that newcomers can properly receive the assistance they need.
If your organization supports Afghan refugee families that arrived in the San Francisco Bay Area after August 15, 2021 and could benefit from this tech equity effort, please contact team@the5ivepillars.org to arrange distribution.
The first group of Afghan families arrive at the Masjid Muhajirren in Hayward, California.
Volunteers with ICNA Relief USA and Hayward City Councilwoman Sara Lamnin organize food distributions.
Lauren (left), Jack and Lauren (right) did their part in welcoming Afghan newcomers.
Our volunteer youth organize Farsi and Pashto books for children.