Maryland University to house Afghans on its campus

KABUL (Pajhwok): The University of Maryland (UMD) will offer provisional housing for refugee and evacuee families from Afghanistan, reports a US newspaper.

Under a partnership with the International Rescue Committee, UMD is the first to provide space for Afghan families on its university campus.

Afghan humanitarian parolees and special immigrant visa-holders are among those included in the proposal, a statement from the university read.

“The University of Maryland is part of a global community, and when we have the opportunity to support humanity, we embrace it,” UMD President Darryll Pines was quoted as saying.

UMD Vice President for Student Affairs Patty Perillo said: “We are creating the model here at Maryland. We are developing the structure and systems for others to carry forward, helping many more refugees in need.”

The programme is set to commence in the coming weeks, with families of two adults and children beginning their stay, the statement added.

The committee would provide assistance to the families through housing, counseling, employment, education and social services, the university said.

PAN Monitor/mud