January 20th forum will discuss refugees coming to Salem

A public forum on Jan. 20 will discuss 50 refugees who will be coming to Salem starting in February and continuing through September.

The forum, known as the Refugee Forum on Jobs and Literacy, is scheduled from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Anderson Room of the Salem Public Library, 585 Liberty St SE.

Francisco Lopez, a refugee from El Salvador, will host the event.

During the event, there will be speeches and presentations made by various organizers from Catholic Charities and local groups, as well as a panel of three refugees who live in Salem currently, followed by a Q&A session.

Organizers will discuss what services and programs are already in place for the refugees and what help they need from community members and volunteers. Any unresolved issues will be addressed during the Q&A period.

Organizers said they would like to form task forces during this period should further work need to be done.

They will primarily be discussing employment, education and English-language learning, cultural transition, and transportation.

There will be other activities and refreshments as well. This event is free and open to the public.

By Natalie Pate