Ashley Kurpiel

Ashley Kurpiel, CNU senior and social work major, spent two months of her summer living with a family in a tent at an Algerian refugee camp. Now, her research has been recognized by the U.S. State Department and she is in the process of compiling research to be presented to Congress.

"I was really able to apply what my professors have taught me, which made me realize just how valuable my CNU education has been," Ashley said. "In the social work department we focus on working with people effectively, so I felt prepared to go into the camps this summer," she added.

Ashley's time in the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) refugee camps in Tindouf , Algeria was spent studying refugee development. Living with a family, she learned to speak their Arabic dialect and learned much about Muslim culture and traditions. In turn, she taught English both to her host family and at a local school.

"For many, I was the first American they had ever seen, so they took special interest in what I was doing in their home for so long this summer," said Ashley.

Ashley also had the opportunity to meet Nomadic refugees, visit members of the military, and even meet multiple times with SADR President Mohamad Abdelaziz and his staff. At the end of Ashley's stay in Algeria, President Abdelaziz presented her with Saharawi jewelry with her name engraved on it. "This was a symbol of his gratitude for the work I did this summer," she said. With the help of a translator, Ashley was able to understand the president's perspective on the situation faced by the Sarahawi people. This experience greatly assisted her in her research objectives.

"I left transformed," she said. "Living among these people who have absolutely nothing, yet who welcomed me as a guest and family member, I grew to understand how important it is to become involved in this unknown area of Africa . I am ready for more."

Ashley's work has continued since the day she arrived back in the United States . She is working closely with Dr. Carolyn Ericson, Assistant Professor of Social Work at CNU, to compile her research and present it to Congress, explaining the need for the western world to help the Saharawi move out of the desert and back into their homes.

She points out that the majority of Saharawi males have gone off to war after fleeing their homeland, and the demands placed on women are great. The Sarahawi people face problems with food, water, shelter, health and education, and Ashley cares passionately about helping work towards a solution.

Dr. Ericson feels honored to be supporting Ashley in her research. "The Department of Social Work at CNU is dedicated to service, research, and social justice on a global level. Ashley has truly fulfilled these objectives by applying course content in the service of humanity," said Dr. Ericson.

After returning home from Algeria , Ashley doesn't want to stop helping the Saharawi people. With the help of Dr. Ericson, she will continue to work with the people, raise awareness for their situation, and teach other social workers about her experiences.