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Tonya Papanikolas ReportingAfter spending 15 years in a Kenyan refugee camp, last fall a Somalian family entered the United States with almost nothing. But after just two weeks in Texas, Hurricane Rita forced them out.
They ended up here in Utah, where they were fortunate to meet a young girl scout who helped them adjust to a new life.
For most people, getting an afternoon snack is a normal thing to do. But for the Mohamed family, just months ago, it was impossible.
Aisha Hassan, Girl Scout: "They didn't have the main important things to survive, like kitchen appliances, silverware and food."
The Somalian refugees came to Utah with little clothing, no necessities and very limited communication skills.
Sabrina Mohamed, Somalian Refugee: "When we came to Utah, we did not speak American English."
But they soon found someone to help. Aisha Hassan is a local girl scout. When she heard about the family, she immediately reached out.
Aisha Hassan: "I told them, just tell us what you need."
Hassan gathered donations from the community, bringing the family jackets, shoes and blankets. She also procured a washer and drier, and raised enough money to buy her new friends plates, pots and pans and a microwave.
Aisha Hassan: "We got like a lot of help from the community."
But the high school senior didn't stop there. She took the family on outings, teaching them how to use TRAX and find grocery stores. And she came three days a week to their home.
Aisha Hassan: "I would read books with them so they understand their English reading, and then help with their homework. And we would always talk in English."
Hassan also watched movies with the family.
Shazia Faizi, Girl Scout Troop Leader: "She would tell them to, 'Okay, let's write a story about it and tell me the new words you learned from there.'"
Soon the girls were doing well in school. They say they owe it all to their teacher.
Naima Mohamed, Somalian Refugee: "We thank her a lot because even when we got to school, the teacher was amazing (amazed)."
Hassan earned a Girl Scout Gold award for her efforts, but she says helping a grateful family was the real reward.
Aisha Hassan spent two months tutoring the girls. She's also helped raise donations for other refugee families.
