SCRANTON – The public is invited to celebrate and honor World Refugee Day!

On Saturday, June 22, 2024, everyone is invited to join local Scranton refugee communities for a time of sharing, learning, fellowship and celebration that honors global refugees. This year’s theme is “A World Where Refugees Are Always Welcomed,’ which focuses on the power of inclusion and solutions for refugees.

The free event will be held from 2-4 p.m. at Nay Aug Park in Scranton (on the Greenhouse side of Nay Aug Park). The celebration will include cultural music and dance performances, refreshments, giveaways, games and activities for kids.

World Refugee Day is an annual international day, designated by the United Nations, to celebrate the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home countries to escape conflict or persecution. It is an opportunity to recognize the resilience and courage of millions of refugees around the world.

Several community agencies are working together to put together the 2024 World Refugee Celebration, including Catholic Social Services of the Diocese of Scranton, The University of Scranton, City of Scranton, United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Ignatian Volunteer Corps, S.T.A.R.S. Program at Marywood University, Islamic Center of Scranton, Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit, Congolese Community of Scranton, Bhutanese Cultural Foundation Scranton Association, Saigon Corner Vietnamese Restaurant and Pennsylvania Department of Education – Migrant Education Program, the Church of Saint Gregory, and the Hexagon Project.

 

On Saturday, June 22, 2024, everyone is invited to participate in a World Refugee Day celebration at Nay Aug Park (Mulberry Street entrance, across from GCMC and Everhart Museum) in Scranton from 2-4 p.m. The celebration will include cultural music and dance performances, refreshments, giveaways, games, and activities for kids. There are numerous community agencies working together to plan for this celebration. Pictured are, first row, from left: Digne Mbinga, Congolese Community Scranton; Ivanna Gleb, Catholic Social Services; Audrey Golosky, United Neighborhood Centers; Daysi Carreto, The University of Scranton; Camilla Sphabmixay, Catholic Social Services; Smriti Sharma, Bhutanese Cultural Foundation of Scranton Association; and Jelytza Lopez, Catholic Social Services. Second row, from left: Channel Kearse, City of Scranton; Ushu Mukelo, Congolese Community Scranton; Niyitanga Dedieumas, Catholic Social Services; Gulnar Siddiqi, Catholic Social Services & Islamic Center of Scranton; Fikile Ryder, Catholic Social Services; Julie Schumacher Cohen, The University of Scranton; Prem Subedi, Bhutanese Cultural Foundation of Scranton Association; Chandra Sitaula, Bhutanese Cultural Foundation of Scranton Association; Jenny Gonzalez, S.T.A.R.S. Program at Marywood University; and Michelle Rosler, S.T.A.R.S. Program at Marywood University.