Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Refugees in New Hampshire Find New Livelihood in Farming

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Nestled in the heart of central New Hampshire, a farm stands out as a cultural mosaic, a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of its workers. Refugees hailing from war-torn nations such as Burundi, Rwanda, Somalia, and Congo have found a new home in the U.S., where they have established their own small businesses, cultivating both American staples and crops reminiscent of their homelands, like okra and sorrel. The vibrant sight of women adorned in orange, red, and blue fabrics, balancing crates of vegetables on their heads and conversing in Somali, paints a picture of unity and perseverance.

These resilient individuals, under the stewardship of the Organization for Refugee and Immigrant Success, have transformed the Dunbarton farm into a thriving hub of agricultural activity. With a diverse workforce comprising individuals from five African nations and Nepal, many of whom were experienced farmers before their displacement, the farm represents a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation.

For Sylvain Bukasa, a former refugee from Congo, farming is not just a livelihood but a celebration of resilience and cultural heritage. Escaping the horrors of conflict in his homeland, Bukasa cherishes the opportunity to cultivate the foods of his youth on American soil. Despite working full-time for a rental car company, Bukasa dedicates himself to meticulously tending his acre-sized plot, ensuring an abundant harvest of tomatoes, squash, kale, and other produce that nourishes not only bodies but also souls.

As Bukasa envisions owning his own farm one day, with acres of land where he can cultivate his crops with ease, he grapples with the challenges of marketing his surplus produce. His ambition to purchase a van for direct deliveries underscores his commitment to sharing his harvest with the community while overcoming the hurdles of competition in the market.

In this tale of perseverance and adaptation, the farm symbolizes not only a source of sustenance but a beacon of hope and renewal for those who have braved unimaginable hardships. As these refugees find their place in the American dream, their journey resonates as a testament to the transformative power of resilience and community support.


Vocabulary List:

  1. Mosaic /moʊˈzeɪ.ɪk/ (noun): A combination of diverse elements forming a cohesive whole.
  2. Ingenuity /ˌɪn.dʒəˈnuː.ɪ.ti/ (noun): The quality of being clever original and inventive.
  3. Cultivating /ˈkʌl.tɪ.veɪ.tɪŋ/ (verb): Preparing and using land for crops or gardening.
  4. Resilience /rɪˈzɪl.jəns/ (noun): The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.
  5. Sustenance /ˈsʌs.tən.əns/ (noun): Food and drink regarded as a source of strength and nourishment.
  6. Ambition /æmˈbɪʃ.ən/ (noun): A strong desire to do or achieve something.

How much do you know?


Where is the farm highlighted in the text located?
Central New Hampshire
Southern Florida
Western California
Northern Alaska


Which countries do the refugees mentioned in the text hail from?
Burundi, Rwanda, Somalia, and Congo
Mexico, Canada, Brazil, and Japan
India, China, Australia, and France
Germany, Italy, Spain, and Russia


What organization played a role in transforming the Dunbarton farm into a thriving hub of agricultural activity?
United Nations
Organization for Refugee and Immigrant Success
World Bank
Greenpeace


What does Sylvain Bukasa envision owning one day?
A rental car company
An island
His own farm
A grocery store chain


What type of produce does Bukasa grow on his acre-sized plot?
Bananas and pineapples
Tomatoes, squash, and kale
Pumpkins and watermelons
Oranges and lemons


What does Bukasa aspire to purchase for direct deliveries of his surplus produce?
A car wash
A delivery truck
An airplane
A bicycle

This question is required

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