PROVO — Gezahgn Wordofa's stated objective for his time in Utah is to raise awareness about the plight of the international refugees he aids. But Wordofa, the vice director of a Moscow-based refugee relief organization, is equally eager to learn all he can from skilled humanitarians here.
"My main objective is to get advice, just to share this problem and maybe find out something that could help solve it," Wordofa said.
Born in Ethiopia and educated in Russia, Wordofa came to the United States for the first time this week through ties forged with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Those ties brought him here to educate, via a Wednesday lecture at Brigham Young University, and learn, by touring the church's Distribution Center in Salt Lake City today.
Wordofa joined the LDS Church after meeting missionaries who volunteered to serve his cause, Opora (Russian for "support"), a non-government organization that works with international refugees living in Russia. It was at church that he met Danielle Grigsby, a BYU student doing volunteer work at a local orphanage. Grigsby eventually became involved with Opora, and now serves as U.S. coordinator. It was at her invitation that Wordofa came to Utah.
Wordofa had already seen Russians benefit from the church's assistance and thought LDS church members were "a wonderful people."
"Many of the missionaries in Russia speak very well, so they were able to help us with problems we would have with the police there, because so many of our people don't have passports," Wordofa explained. "They are very nice, very good people."
Wordofa deals with more than just language barriers as he aids refugees. "We have a big problem with kids losing their teeth because the water they had was very bad," he said. "We need toothpaste. We need more good water. We need money for school programs, for food, clothing, shelter."
Grigsby said she believes it is important for people to be aware of the situation in Russia.
"You hear about refugees, maybe you hear about Afghanistan, Iraq, you think about Sudan or Ethiopia, but rarely does anyone ever think about Russia," she said. "They are seeking asylum there, but the asylum that they find isn't as safe as it should be, so NGOs like Gezahgn's organization are their literal lifeline."
Grigsby said she realizes she's just a student, but she wants to help Opora in any way she can.
"When you meet these people, and you have the opportunity to spend time with them, you cannot help but be touched by their spirit," she said.
Wordofa said he's very grateful for the opportunity to make connections here and wants to return.
"I'm lucky to get to come to Utah and meet people," he said. "I want to thank the American embassy for granting me a visa. Maybe I'll come back again."
E-mail: mdecker@desnews.com