IRAQI REFUGEE PHOTO EXHIBIT - PING PONG FOR PEACE

As the Iraqi war fades from front page news headlines, it's easy to forget the trauma still being experienced by two million Iraqi refugees in Syria and Jordan.

A special photo exhibit documenting their situation will be held at First Mennonite Church, in the basement Assembly Room, on Sunday, May 2, from 2:30-4:30 p.m. The exhibit is open to the public.

The photo exhibit is held in combination with a ping pong tournament being held at the same time in the Fellowship Hall of the church. "Ping Pong for Peace and Photo Exhibit" is being held as a fund raiser for the Iraqi Student Project.

Ping Pong participants pay to play and donations are being accepted for ISP to view the exhibit. To register for the tournament call 419 358-5766.

Photographs in the exhibit were taken by photographer Andrew Courtney and give a good insight into the Iraqi refugee situation. Refugees in Syria and Jordan do not have work permits and cannot afford to send their children to college to get the education needed to rebuild their country.

The Iraqi Student Project has secured tuition waivers from colleges and universities in the United States for select students. Student's room, board, books, fees, travel and personal expenses are provided by local support groups and a campus job.

Bluffton University, Broadmead Friends Meeting, Grace Mennonite Church, First Mennonite Church and individuals are supporting Shahad Aldoori, a first-year Fashion and Interior Design major. Aldoori is committed to returning to Iraq after completing her education here.