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Discover our history at SAWO!

An Entertainment Day At Bazaar (2003)

October 12, 2003: An Entertainment Day and Bazaar under the Theme, “Towards the promotion of small scale Sudanese businesses in the Washington Metropolitan area”. This day featured a bazaar for the sale and exhibition of Sudanese products and other diverse products, in which a largenumber of both business women and men participated to promote their small-scale businesses. An offshoot of this activity was the preparation of the first provisional Sudanese business directory, which is an on going project project. The day also featured an entertainment program of Sudanese music and traditional dancing.

Employment Procedures and Current Job Openings at the City of Alexandria (2003)

July 26, 2003: The SAWO held a Seminar in collaboration with the City of Alexandria on “Employment Procedures and Current Job Openings at the City of Alexandria”. A number of Speakers representing several departments at the City of Alexandria (COA) and other entities participated in the panel. The speakers briefed the attendees on steps to apply for employment at the COA , how to prepare resumes and prepare for interviews. Lists of current job openings were distributed and information about each job provided. Attendees actively participated in the discussion of the labor market and its future trends and how to best to secure jobs at these challenging times.

Speakers and Presentations:
  • JoAnn Roosa – Multicultural Initiative Coordinator: “About the Multicultural Initiative Program”
  • Nancy Stevens -Director of Employment Services-City of Alexandria: “Employment Procedures at the City of Alexandria and an Overview of Current Job Openings”.
  • Steve Mason – Affirmative Action Officer: “An Overview of Alexandria City Government Affirmative Action Program”.
  • Jan Schrader – Rep. of Joblink: “About Joblin & Interview tips and how to prepare your résumé” Social Services provided for Refugees by the different Counties and entities

The SAWO (General Secretariat) (2003)

April 24, 2003: The SAWO (General Secretariat) held a Seminary on “Social Services provided for Refugees by the different Counties and entities”. The panel included speakers representing several counties and organizations. Each representative provided a comprehensive briefing about services provided by their organizations, in the fields of Employment, Education and Childcare, Health and Food Assistance. The Audience were able to discuss their concern, and ask questions and establish contacts with these representatives for future inquiry.

Speakers and Presentations:
  • Ali Abdelrazig: Department of Social Services –VA (Elderly Assistance Project REAP): “Available Services for elderly asylees and refugees, such as Social Security, Medicare, and Employment”.
  • Seyom Berhe: Director of Arlington Diocese Office of Resettlement: “Agency’s Role in receiving newcomers and services available to them including job placement”.
  • Ronda Dent: Trial Attorney-Department of Justice: “Employment discrimination and its legal handeling”.
  • Jean Westcott: Social Worker-City of Alexandria: “Child Care Fee System”.
  • Judy Martin: Social Worker-City of Alexandria: “Quality Child Care and application process to become a Child Care Provider”.
  • Melanie Fenwick: Senior Worker-Department of Family Services-Fairfax County: “Family benefits provided by the Department, such as Medicaid, Food Stamps, Cash Assistance”.

Holy `Eid Aladha” and International Women’s Day (2003)

March 8, 2003: The SAWA (Cultural Secretariat) held an open entertainment day on the occasion of the Holy `Eid Aladha” and International Women’s Day. This day, which was presented by children, included a speech on International Women Day by Mrs. Alawia Elfatih and many on children’s talents and a musical.

Challenges facing parents in bringing up Children in the US (2003)

January 25, 2003: The SAWO (Family Secretariat) held a seminar on “Challenges facing parents in bringing up Children in the US”. Several Sudanese families participated in this panel to share their experiences and draw lessons. Ms. Mugeitha Elkabsy from Fairfax County participated in this well attended seminar.

Main Presenting Couples:
  • Mrs. Rabab Abuharaz and Dr. Ahmed Hillali.
  • Mrs. Nagwa Hussein and Mr. Jihad Ali.
  • Mrs. Sumaia Sharief and Mr. Osama Farhan .

Seminar on Breast and Cervical Cancer (2002)

October 19, 2002: The SAWO organized a seminar for women entitled, “Breast and Cervical Cancer” presented by Dr. Salwa H. Elshowia and Weam Ali, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Dr. Elshowia highlighted possible causes and prevention of these diseases and responded to questions from the active the audience.

A picnic to introduce the organization to members of the Sudanese community (2002)

September 14, 2002: The SAWO organized a family picnic to introduce the organization to members of the Sudanese community residing in the Washington metropolitan area. Members of the Executive Committee and their offices were introduced and the organization’s main mission and objectives were highlighted. Several Sudanese popular singers participated in this large family gathering.