Simon Oberta and his family were in danger. The authority of ruler Eyadema Gnassingbe was violently enforced and Togo was controlled with an iron fist. Simon was opposed to the government and local law enforcement knew it. After he was nearly arrested, the Oberta family left. They fled for their lives to the neighboring country of Ghana.
After a long period of time in the camps, Simon came to Minnesota. He applied for asylum soon after he arrived and was granted that status by the U.S. government. Simon then filed for his wife Elizabeth and two daughters to join him in America. Two years later, in November of 2006, the four of them were reunited as a family again!
Upon arrival, there were many areas of life in which Elizabeth and her daughters needed assistance. She was contacted by Refugee Services employee Williametta Saydee. They met and Elizabeth attended both Extended Cultural Orientation and Employment Orientation at the Minnesota Council of Churches. The family had come to Minnesota during the winter, so there were prominent clothing needs that had to be addressed. Williametta arranged for the family to go to Vine and Branches so they could pick out winter clothes for everyone.
Additionally, Refugee Services provided Target gift cards to assist them with basic needs, found furniture that they could put to use and gave the family some toys that were donated through Toys for Tots. Elizabeth spoke little English, so Williametta helped her find appropriate ESL classes. The children began school right away and needed support with their enrollment process as well.
Through the spring of 2007 the family continued the adjustment process. The two children continued school and Elizabeth began to truly grasp the American way of life. Above all, she appreciated living in a country where she felt comfortable again. “In Ghana, we were always scared. We’re safe here.”
Elizabeth continues to study English and hopes to find employment once she understands the language better. In the future, she is interested in pursuing a nursing degree. Her husband Simon currently works at Medtronic.
Togo is still a troubled country. The newly appointed president of Togo is the son of former leader Eyadema Gnassingbe, and the election process was hailed as corrupt by many leaders around the world. Elizabeth is happy to be living in Minnesota, but stated that “it’s so hard for us” to think about their family and friends still living in Togo.
* The names of these clients have been changed for the sake of privacy
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