Everyone has stories to tell that helps describe how they got to where they are in life.
Some stories may be positive and others negative, but regardless of the details, the stories remain major parts of that person’s life and play a role in who they are.
However, for some it can be difficult to get their stories out there for others to hear, especially in the cases of refugees that have come to America as a way of escape from their previous situations in other countries.
WeaveTales is a unique initiative that helps shed light on this issue and create avenues for refugees to open and share their stories with those in the new communities they call home.
“It is important to make sure that the stories are told in their voices,” said Basma Alawee, executive director and co-founder of WeaveTales.
The Jacksonville-based nonprofit was recognized as a charity of the day at this year’s THE PLAYERS Championship.
According to Alawee, it meant a lot to have an event like THE PLAYERS and Grant Thornton teaming up to show their support, especially since the organization is still relatively young compared to other nonprofit in the area, having been founded in 2019.
“It has been a blessing to see that the community is now reaching out to us,” Alawee said. “I invite all of Ponte Vedra’s educational spaces and museums to reach out as well.”
Having been a refugee herself, Alawee had a deep understanding of what other refugees go through as they attempt to be accepted into their new society.
She realized that the resistance of communities to embrace refugees could often be traced back to a lack of understanding by both sides.
“It’s all about creating a space for people to connect,” Alawee said. “As a refugee myself, it is a way for us to feel empowered and a part of this country.”
It became apparent that the most natural way to create understanding was through communication and that meant allowing refugees to tell their stories and explain their experiences.
Although the basis of WeaveTales is a story-telling outlet, it also continues to grow and add new services for refugees and immigrants, including the New American Speaker’s Program, which is a program designed to teach English and improve public speaking skills.
One of the ways the organization shares refugee stories with the public is through an exhibit called “Journey to Jacksonville,” which was first held in 2019 and got its start in the Jacksonville International Airport before moving around town to various locations, such as the University of North Florida and the Museum of Science and History in downtown Jacksonville.
According to Alawee, the stories refugees have written have not just helped them feel connected, but they have also opened doors to opportunities that did not exist before.
“Many immigrants and refugees have begun to flourish and succeed in their jobs and daily lives,” Alawee said. “They’ve even wanted their stories to use in their bios when looking for a job.”
