The UN estimates that conflicts and persecution have "forcibly displaced" 65.3 million people worldwide, the biggest forced displacement since World War II. The UN considers 21.3 million of them to be refugees, defined as someone forced to flee a country because of persecution, war or violence. More than half are younger than 18 years old. Many of the refugees reaching the US will get help with internet access through a three-decade-old telephone subsidy program known as Lifeline. Earlier this year, the Federal Communications Commission expanded the program to cover wireless and broadband services.
Benenson got involved after learning that the state's Catholic Charities chapter this year would welcome at least a dozen refugees in Salem, a city of 160,000 people, Catholic Charities, one of the largest organizations the US government contracts to relocate refugees, asked the community to donate household items for arriving families, But Benenson wondered if they could also use tech gadgets, For the past few months, he has worked with the charity to buy inexpensive Android phones and Google Chromebooks, His first purchases were devices he could get on clearance at retailers including Best Buy, where he snagged hardshell case + ring for apple iphone xs max - rose gold glitter/clear Motorola Moto E series smartphones, He also struck a group discount with the local T-Mobile store to give arriving refugees lower-priced wireless service for a few months..
It is a long and involved process for refugees to make their way to the United States. The White House has put together this infographic to show the many steps involved. Benenson is starting to gather information on existing programs from companies like Comcast and CenturyLink, which offer broadband in the Salem region. These companies already offer subsidized broadband service for low-income families and individuals. He is also looking into the FCC's Lifeline program to help offset the cost of internet service.
Eventually, he'd like to help Catholic Charities develop a training program for immigrants to make sure they're getting the most out of their tech, "Some arrive with their own cell phones, or they had one in their former country," Benenson said, "But others, like some refugees arriving from Africa, have never even used a computer."Heli DelMoral, a spokesman for Catholic Charities in Oregon, said the organization would like to hardshell case + ring for apple iphone xs max - rose gold glitter/clear start a training program, But for now, it's relying on informal techniques to get newcomers connected..
"Some of the families who have come before may help the newer families with tips, or one of our volunteers may be able to show them how to use a device," DelMoral said. "Often the kids pick up on the technology very quickly and can help their parents."Julianne Tzul, executive director at the International Rescue Committee (IRC) office in Boise agrees that access to devices and services may be a barrier for refugees. That's why Tzul wants more companies and people to contribute to their efforts. The US gives each refugee a one-time stipend of about $925, but that doesn't go very far. So the IRC, Church World Service and Catholic Charities supplement the figure with donations, including phones and laptops.
