PMHS Students Transform Library Into Syrian Refugee Museum

From PMHS: On Jan. 19, PMHS students in Ms. Megan Rice’s Human Rights class transformed the library info center into a museum about Syrian refugees and the resettlement process.

The presentation, which concluded the semester-long class, spanned three rooms with each dedicated to a specific facet of the Syrian conflict and refugee crisis. One room focused on the history of Syria including the origins of the political conflict that led to civil war, another room examined the lives of Syrian refugees, and the third delved into the resettlement process.

“We saw that this is a major problem in the world that impacts our country as well,” said sophomore Kaitlyn Rubbo on why the class decided to focus on the Syrian crisis this semester.

Kaitlyn was part of the group that focused on the history of Syria and the surrounding area. Visiting students and staff were shown a video and were able to view a historical timeline that was posted on the wall. The students also shared trivia about the country and answered questions from the guests.

In the adjacent room, the students depicted the lives of Syrian refugees before they are resettled outside the country. The exhibit included a cloth tent pitched by students that is similar to what is used by the refugees, including a small rug, which the students said is commonly found in refugee camps. The students also prepared signs with photos and descriptions explaining the key functions that must be undertaken at the camps, such as administering medical services and providing food, clothing and other necessities.

“This is one of the most pressing human rights issues to date and it’s in front of our eyes right now,” said freshman Daniel Tahbaz.

In the third section of the presentation, students focused on the resettlement of refugees in the U.S.

Sophomore Allison Palmisciano researched the differences between American society and life in Syria, such as in education, language and writing, religion and food. Among the most interesting differences, she said, was that Syrians families typically have a family-style breakfast, whereas in the U.S. breakfast is more individualized

Another exhibit, by Stephen Tahbaz and Nick Lieggi, focused on the political backlash against refugees seen in the U.S. and other parts of the world. Their research focused on bias in media coverage and fears stoked by links to terrorism. Adjacent to them was an exhibit by sophomore Nahian Ehtesham which showcased how students, staff and the community.

Photos courtesy of PMHS ( Fear_3958.jpg: Nick Lieggi and Stephen Tahbaz. Group-use_3946.jpg: Charlotte Edmunds, Madeline Mullaney, Kaitlyn Rubbo, Henry Driesen, and Dario Sujika. tent_3952.jpg: Eva Perez, Zach Leonard and Daniel Tahbaz. What can you do_3955.jpg: Nahian Ehtesham talks with International Baccalaureate Supervisor Sean Llewellyn )