On July 23, 2017, COIN, in partnership with the Jewish Community Center of Indianapolis, hosted Walk a Mile in a Refugee’s Shoes. This simulation of a day in the life of a refugee was made possible through the inspiration of Jesuit Refugee Services USA and more than 100 volunteers from around Indianapolis. More than 500 individuals from as far away as Johannesburg, South Africa came to walk in the footsteps at JCC. Through the eyes of a refugee, participants carried their water and food, made a place to sleep on a 6’ x 6’ piece of ground, and learned the hardships faced each day by refugees currently living in refugee camps around the world. One refugee featured at the Walk a Mile event was Joe Rinah, a young girl from Burma who now lives in Indianapolis. The struggles that she and many other refugee families face were simulated in the Walk. COIN would like to thank her for her bravery and strength, and thank Road Pictures for helping Joe Rinah tell her story and creating a beautiful video to share. For more information, please visit JRSusa.org and unhcr.org.
