At this week’s Round Table, Inica, Jack & Kenisha spoke with Lina Sergie Attar, Founder and CEO of the Karam Foundation, about the refugee crisis, which is on many of our minds given what’s happening in Ukraine. Karam means generosity in Syrian and the Karam Foundation, founded in 2017, invests in young Syrian refugees to help shape a new generation of kind, courageous future leaders. Lina’s path to, and vision for, refugee education was unconventional from that of many others in the humanitarian field, which provides her with a different perspective on refugee work. With a background in architecture, creativity is at the forefront of what she does. Coming to the work with fresh perspective, and listening DEEPLY to people, she has learned a LOT about what refugees need versus what is actually offered to them. Her work is steeped in notions of radical generosity, which is necessary to help those who have been displaced recover from what they’ve lost and to prepare for lives and livelihoods beyond. The Karam Foundation approaches this work as investment rather than aid. It’s not about providing “just enough” or basic skills–it’s about helping people hone in on their potential and work towards their dreams. Karam is committed to giving refugees’ agency and enabling them to be co authors in forging solutions rather than subjecting them to top down solutions we know don’t work. Through this, Karam creates a ripple effect, instilling the people they serve with commitment to creating positive change wherever they are and whatever they are doing. She–and we–feel it’s not enough just having your life protected; it’s about having your humanity protected. It’s about thriving, not just surviving. Refugees want no less—and need much more. We were incredibly inspired by Lina’s transformative mindset. Refugees are not a monolith and there are no forever solutions, which is why we need people like Lina and the Karam Foundation blazing the trail. If you'd like to support the Karam Foundation's vital work, you can do so here. Thank you for listening!!
