Posted on Feb 12, 2023
Afghans in St. Louis have high hopes for the region’s new Afghan Chamber of Commerce
954
16
3
6
6
0
About 100 Afghan entrepreneurs, newly arrived Afghans and community members explored the new Afghan Chamber of Commerce and Afghan Community Center on Friday celebrating a place that could help Afghans start businesses in the St. Louis region and learn new skills.
The six-room center at 3611 S. Grand Blvd. is sponsored by the International Institute of St. Louis.
Members of the institute’s Afghan support team will teach English courses, entrepreneurship skills and financial literacy to Afghans who want to explore business opportunities.
The business center could help revitalize St. Louis and create opportunities for more refugees to come to the region, International Institute CEO and President Arrey Obenson said.
“We are not just welcoming Afghans, but we're building a community for them here,” he said.
Sulamin Kaymar found community in St. Louis when he arrived from Afghanistan in August 2021. He came to the United States after the fall of his country’s government.
Many Afghans have trouble starting new businesses and resettling because they do not speak English well, he said.
The six-room center at 3611 S. Grand Blvd. is sponsored by the International Institute of St. Louis.
Members of the institute’s Afghan support team will teach English courses, entrepreneurship skills and financial literacy to Afghans who want to explore business opportunities.
The business center could help revitalize St. Louis and create opportunities for more refugees to come to the region, International Institute CEO and President Arrey Obenson said.
“We are not just welcoming Afghans, but we're building a community for them here,” he said.
Sulamin Kaymar found community in St. Louis when he arrived from Afghanistan in August 2021. He came to the United States after the fall of his country’s government.
Many Afghans have trouble starting new businesses and resettling because they do not speak English well, he said.
Afghans in St. Louis have high hopes for the region’s new Afghan Chamber of Commerce
Posted from news.stlpublicradio.org
Afghanistan
Business
Entrepreneurship
St. Louis
Culture
Posted 1 y ago
Responses: 3
4
4
0
3
3
0
2
2
0
PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
..."“When I first moved here, it was so difficult because of the new culture, new language, I did not know a single word in English,” said Hussani, 19. “So, who would be the best people to help them again? People who can relate to them, talk to them, know their language, know their pain.”
After graduating from St. Louis University in a few years, Hussaini wants to open her own arts organization that gives back to people from war-torn countries. She plans to use the center’s resources to start her business.
“I hope [the center] does well, and supports Afghans as they can,” she said. “Also just create new opportunities for Afghans and try to help the new Afghans have a better life.”
..."“When I first moved here, it was so difficult because of the new culture, new language, I did not know a single word in English,” said Hussani, 19. “So, who would be the best people to help them again? People who can relate to them, talk to them, know their language, know their pain.”
After graduating from St. Louis University in a few years, Hussaini wants to open her own arts organization that gives back to people from war-torn countries. She plans to use the center’s resources to start her business.
“I hope [the center] does well, and supports Afghans as they can,” she said. “Also just create new opportunities for Afghans and try to help the new Afghans have a better life.”
(2)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google