International Institute of Buffalo@IIBuff

The mission of the International Institute of Buffalo is to make Western New York a better place for, and because of, immigrants and refugees.

 Buffalo, NY
iibuffalo.org
Joined September 2009
Please take a moment to tell your friends to find us on Bluesky! bsky.app/profile/iibuff.bsky…
Please take a moment to tell your friends to find us on Bluesky! https://bsky.app/profile/iibuff.bsky.social

ALT Please take a moment to tell your friends to find us on Bluesky! https://bsky.app/profile/iibuff.bsky.social
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X isn't the only place to keep track of how we make WNY a better place for, and because of, immigrants and refugees. Website- iibuffalo.org IIB's Monthly Newsletter Bluesky- iibuff Facebook- iibuff LinkedIn- International Institute of Buffalo Instagram- iibuff
IIB logo

ALT IIB logo
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For #BlackHistoryMonth, we continue to recognize notable Black #refugees and immigrants, and the contributions they've made to America's vibrant tapestry. Today, we recognize Dr. Nehkonti Adams, an Infectious Disease Physician with the U.S. Navy. bit.ly/4hZQ8lh
Black History Month: Recognizing Black Immigrants and Refugees

ALT Black History Month: Recognizing Black Immigrants and Refugees
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Today, folks in Nepal celebrate Prajatantra Diwas, which translates into “Democracy Day.” The public holiday commemorates this day in 1951 when King Tribhuvan proclaimed a cabinet and ended the 104-year-long dynastic, autocratic, and authoritarian rule of the Rana regime.
Today, folks in Nepal celebrate Prajatantra Diwas, which translates into “Democracy Day.” The public holiday commemorates this day in 1951 when King Tribhuvan proclaimed a cabinet and ended the 104-year-long dynastic, autocratic, and authoritarian rule of the Rana regime.

ALT Today, folks in Nepal celebrate Prajatantra Diwas, which translates into “Democracy Day.” The public holiday commemorates this day in 1951 when King Tribhuvan proclaimed a cabinet and ended the 104-year-long dynastic, autocratic, and authoritarian rule of the Rana regime.

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Nowadays, it’s easy to get swept up in the rhetoric surrounding people who are foreign born. If you want to know the value of #immigrants and #refugees, take a few moments to look at some statistics and research we’ve compiled. You may be surprised! iibuffalo.org/news/value/
Immigrants and Refugees Benefit WNY.

ALT Immigrants and Refugees Benefit WNY.
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Spanish and Portuguese Interpreter Ligia grew up learning English and graduated with a bilingual diploma. After taking the TOEFL exam, her passion for languages also drove her to learn Portuguese and she’s currently learning Japanese! buff.ly/3Qf31w
Behind the Scenes: The People Who Make IIB Great!

ALT Behind the Scenes: The People Who Make IIB Great!
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Today, folks in more than 40 countries celebrate Valentine’s Day. Love, romance, and kindness are shared with others through the giving of gifts such as flowers, candy, and jewelry.
Happy Valentine's Day!

ALT Happy Valentine's Day!
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IIB would not be able to make WNY a better place for, and because of, immigrants and refugees were it not for the great people on our team and in the community. bit.ly/3CT1VD1
Behind the Scenes: The People Who Make IIB Great!

ALT Behind the Scenes: The People Who Make IIB Great!
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X isn't the only place to keep track of how we make WNY a better place for, and because of, immigrants and refugees. Website- iibuffalo.org IIB's Monthly Newsletter Bluesky- iibuff Facebook- iibuff LinkedIn- International Institute of Buffalo Instagram- iibuff
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Today, Union Day is observed in Myanmar, formerly known as Burma. This annual public holiday commemorates the Panglong Agreement signed in 1947, which allowed Burma to become a unified country, free of British control. In 1989, Burma was renamed Myanmar.
Today, Union Day is observed in Myanmar, formerly known as Burma. This annual public holiday commemorates the Panglong Agreement signed in 1947, which allowed Burma to become a unified country, free of British control. In 1989, Burma was renamed Myanmar.

ALT Today, Union Day is observed in Myanmar, formerly known as Burma. This annual public holiday commemorates the Panglong Agreement signed in 1947, which allowed Burma to become a unified country, free of British control. In 1989, Burma was renamed Myanmar.

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Nowadays, it’s easy to get swept up in the rhetoric surrounding people who are foreign born. If you want to know the value of #immigrants and #refugees, take a few moments to look at some statistics and research we’ve compiled. You may be surprised! iibuffalo.org/news/value/
Immigrants and Refugees Pay Their Fair Share of Taxes

ALT Immigrants and Refugees Pay Their Fair Share of Taxes
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Today, folks in Cameroon celebrate Youth Day. This national holiday recognizes the significant role youth play within the country. Sixty percent of the country’s population is under the age of twenty-five. Celebrations include speeches, parades, and sports events.
Today, folks in Cameroon celebrate Youth Day. This national holiday recognizes the significant role youth play within the country. Sixty percent of the country’s population is under the age of twenty-five. Celebrations include speeches, parades, and sports events.

ALT Today, folks in Cameroon celebrate Youth Day. This national holiday recognizes the significant role youth play within the country. Sixty percent of the country’s population is under the age of twenty-five. Celebrations include speeches, parades, and sports events.

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Recently, we hosted an International Visitor Group representing the Near East and North Africa through the U.S. @StateDept @StateIVLP. While in #WNY, they'll focus on youth engagement, recovery following hate crimes, and violence against woman. #IVLP buff.ly/2WiMGO1
IIB Hosts International Visitor Group from the Near East and North Africa.

ALT IIB Hosts International Visitor Group from the Near East and North Africa.

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The federal government left the non-profits of The Refugee Partnership holding the bag for services that have been performed and still must be performed. We're asking WNY to pitch in to integrate the fully vetted refugees who are our newest neighbors. secure.qgiv.com/for/trpfund
"But don't forget that, without warning, the federal government halted integration regardless of whether the families were fully integrated, partially integrated, or not integrated at all. That is setting them up for failure. Don't forget that the federal government left the nonprofits of The Refugee Partnership to complete the work. And don't forget that the federal government left us with an unpaid bill of $1.5 million. " Jennifer Rizzo-Choi

ALT "But don't forget that, without warning, the federal government halted integration regardless of whether the families were fully integrated, partially integrated, or not integrated at all. That is setting them up for failure. Don't forget that the federal government left the nonprofits of The Refugee Partnership to complete the work. And don't forget that the federal government left us with an unpaid bill of $1.5 million. " Jennifer Rizzo-Choi
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We're looking for a Controller to help us make Western New York a better place for, and because of, #immigrants and #refugees! Click below for position details: iibuffalo.org/jobs/controlle…
Hiring: Controller

ALT Hiring: Controller

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For #BlackHistoryMonth, we continue to recognize notable Black #refugees and immigrants, and the contributions they've made to America's vibrant tapestry. Today, we spotlight Haitian-American Army Captain and pilot, Alix Idrache. bit.ly/4175Jdb
Alix Idrache: Black History Month, recognizing Black Immigrants and Refugees.

ALT Alix Idrache: Black History Month, recognizing Black Immigrants and Refugees.
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Today marks Prešeren Day in Slovenia. The holiday commemorates the death of Slovene poet France Prešeren, who is considered the country’s greatest classical author. The holiday also honors Slovene artists whose work was repressed during WWII.
Slovenia's flag

ALT Slovenia's flag
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We need your help to cover suspended federal #refugee resettlement funds for completed work and to support the 731 fully vetted refugees who've arrived legally over the last 90 days. Click to learn more. bit.ly/3CQwR6L
Text Reads: "We have a moral obligation to complete the work that the United States government promised when it accepted these fully vetted refugee families to resettle here." Jennifer Rizzo-Choi

ALT Text Reads: "We have a moral obligation to complete the work that the United States government promised when it accepted these fully vetted refugee families to resettle here." Jennifer Rizzo-Choi
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Observed annually on February 7, Grenada’s Independence Day marks the country’s independence from Great Britain in 1974. The public holiday is celebrated with festivals, parades, and traditional dishes, including its national dish, a meat and vegetable stew called oil down.
Observed annually on February 7, Grenada’s Independence Day marks the country’s independence from Great Britain in 1974. The public holiday is celebrated with festivals, parades, and traditional dishes, including its national dish, a meat and vegetable stew called oil down.

ALT Observed annually on February 7, Grenada’s Independence Day marks the country’s independence from Great Britain in 1974. The public holiday is celebrated with festivals, parades, and traditional dishes, including its national dish, a meat and vegetable stew called oil down.

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Nowadays, it’s easy to get swept up in the rhetoric surrounding people who are foreign born. If you want to know the value of #immigrants and #refugees, take a few moments to look at some statistics and research we’ve compiled. You may be surprised! iibuffalo.org/news/value/
Immigrants and Refugees Drive the WNY Economy: 39% more likely to start a business.

ALT Immigrants and Refugees Drive the WNY Economy: 39% more likely to start a business.

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The federal government broke its promise. Now, refugees need your help! The goal is to raise $1.5 million in the next 30 days to fill this funding shortfall and support the 731 refugees who have arrived in WNY in the last 90 days. Click below to donate: bit.ly/4aSEvdp
The State Department promised refugee families (and the nonprofits that resettle them) it would pay for clients' basic needs and case management support for three months so that these newly arrived refugees could get their bearings and integrate into our community. Now, it has defaulted on the funding it owes to us for work already performed and to be performed for the families already here.

ALT The State Department promised refugee families (and the nonprofits that resettle them) it would pay for clients' basic needs and case management support for three months so that these newly arrived refugees could get their bearings and integrate into our community. Now, it has defaulted on the funding it owes to us for work already performed and to be performed for the families already here.
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We proudly helped to welcome 50 New #Americans from 25 countries as they took their citizenship oaths at the @USCIS ceremony in Buffalo this morning. Learn more about the ceremony and how we help our newest neighbors integrate into the community. bit.ly/3CCUoYV
Welcome 50 New Americans from 25 Countries!

ALT Welcome 50 New Americans from 25 Countries!

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National Day in Sri Lanka, also known as Sri Lankan Independence Day, commemorates its independence from Great Britain in 1948. This public holiday is observed with music, dance, and meals that include legumes, fruits, and tea.
National Day in Sri Lanka, also known as Sri Lankan Independence Day, commemorates its independence from Great Britain in 1948. This public holiday is observed with music, dance, and meals that include legumes, fruits, and tea.

ALT National Day in Sri Lanka, also known as Sri Lankan Independence Day, commemorates its independence from Great Britain in 1948. This public holiday is observed with music, dance, and meals that include legumes, fruits, and tea.
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Today is Heroes Day in Mozambique. This holiday encourages citizens to remember all those who gave their lives in the struggle for freedom from colonial occupation. Ten thousand people died in a ten-year conflict with Portugal before Mozambique gained its autonomy in 1975
Today is Heroes Day in Mozambique. This holiday encourages citizens to remember all those who gave their lives in the struggle for freedom from colonial occupation. Ten thousand people died in a ten-year conflict with Portugal before Mozambique gained its autonomy in 1975

ALT Today is Heroes Day in Mozambique. This holiday encourages citizens to remember all those who gave their lives in the struggle for freedom from colonial occupation. Ten thousand people died in a ten-year conflict with Portugal before Mozambique gained its autonomy in 1975

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For #BlackHistoryMonth we're recognizing notable Black #refugees and immigrants, and the contributions they've made to America's vibrant tapestry. Today, we highlight Sierra Leonean–American ballerina and humanitarian Michaela DePrince. bit.ly/4hDfKEn
Black History Month. recognizing Black immigrants and refugees: Michaela DePrince

ALT Black History Month. recognizing Black immigrants and refugees: Michaela DePrince
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Today marks the abolition of slavery in Mauritius, a public holiday first established on this day in 1985. Approximately 80% of the country’s population was enslaved in the 19th century, following tobacco and sugar cane industries launched by European settlement.
Mauritius flag

ALT Mauritius flag
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Stay tuned: During #BlackHistoryMonth, we'll recognize the achievements of the Black immigrants and refugees.
Text reads: Black History Month: Recognizing Black Refugees and Immigrants while the image is a mural is in the shape of hands in the colors red, black, and green.

ALT Text reads: Black History Month: Recognizing Black Refugees and Immigrants while the image is a mural is in the shape of hands in the colors red, black, and green.
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Here is the latest information from the International Institute of Buffalo in the form of your January 2025 newsletter! iibuffalo.org/news/january-2…
Text reads: "Your latest newsletter is here" Sign reads: Update

ALT Text reads: "Your latest newsletter is here" Sign reads: Update
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Today, folks in Bhutan celebrate Traditional Day of Offering. Also known as Chunipa Losar, this holiday commemorates the nation's founding by Zhandrung Ngawang Namgyal, a Tibetan Buddhist Lama. To celebrate, the general population enjoys a day off.
Today, folks in Bhutan celebrate Traditional Day of Offering. Also known as Chunipa Losar, this holiday commemorates the nation's founding by Zhandrung Ngawang Namgyal, a Tibetan Buddhist Lama. To celebrate, the general population enjoys a day off.

ALT Today, folks in Bhutan celebrate Traditional Day of Offering. Also known as Chunipa Losar, this holiday commemorates the nation's founding by Zhandrung Ngawang Namgyal, a Tibetan Buddhist Lama. To celebrate, the general population enjoys a day off.

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@WGRZ reporter @alexandrariostv interviewed Executive Director Jennifer Rizzo-Choi about how the recent executive order suspending the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) will impact our region’s economy. Watch the full feature through the link below. bit.ly/3WE243I
WGRZ Interviews Rizzo-Choi on Executive Orders, Local Impact

ALT WGRZ Interviews Rizzo-Choi on Executive Orders, Local Impact
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Today marks the first day of the Lunar New Year. This is one of the most important holidays among East and Southeast Asian cultures with celebrations lasting for multiple days. In China, 2025 is designated as the Year of the Snake.
Happy Lunar New Year!

ALT Happy Lunar New Year!
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Today is Saint Sava’s Day in Serbia. Saint Sava, born Rastko Nemanjić, was a medieval prince who discarded royal life to become an orthodox monk in Greece. He later returned to #Serbia and led a renaissance that included establishing schools and medieval Serbian literature.
Serbia's flag

ALT Serbia's flag
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Join us in cheering for the @BuffaloBills and hoping for a rousing victory over the Kansas City Chiefs!
The IIB Team in Bills gear!

ALT The IIB Team in Bills gear!
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Today, folks in the Dominican Republic celebrate Juan Pablo Duarte Day. This public holiday celebrates the birthday of its namesake, who was a driving force in undermining Haitian occupation of the country following its previous independence from Spain in 1921.
Dominican Republic Flag

ALT Dominican Republic Flag
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Today, Aruba celebrates Betico Croes Day. This national holiday commemorates the birthday of Betico Croes, known as the father of the nation. Croes is credited with playing a significant role in helping #Aruba establish autonomy from the Netherlands Antilles.
Flag of Aruba

ALT Flag of Aruba
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Click to read Executive Director Jennifer Rizzo-Choi's entire public statement regarding the suspension of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP). iibuffalo.org/news/usrap/
Text reads: By creating a problem where none exists, the current administration’s suspension of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) is misguided, based on false assumptions, and will ultimately hurt Western New York and the United States of America."

ALT Text reads: By creating a problem where none exists, the current administration’s suspension of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) is misguided, based on false assumptions, and will ultimately hurt Western New York and the United States of America."
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Today in #Bolivia is the annual celebration of Plurinational State Foundation Day. The public holiday, also known as Dia del Estado Plurinacional in Spanish, celebrates the country’s multiculturalism and the adoption of its constitution
Today in #Bolivia is the annual celebration of Plurinational State Foundation Day. The public holiday, also known as Dia del Estado Plurinacional in Spanish, celebrates the country’s multiculturalism and the adoption of its constitution

ALT Today in #Bolivia is the annual celebration of Plurinational State Foundation Day. The public holiday, also known as Dia del Estado Plurinacional in Spanish, celebrates the country’s multiculturalism and the adoption of its constitution
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In case you missed it, #WKBW anchor @JeffRussoWKBW spoke with Executive Director Jennifer Rizzo-Choi on how the new executive order suspending the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) will affect IIB’s operations and refugee resettlement locally. bit.ly/42qUzku
Rizzo-Choi Speaks with WKBW on Suspension of U.S. Refugee Admissions Program

ALT Rizzo-Choi Speaks with WKBW on Suspension of U.S. Refugee Admissions Program
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Today is Errol Barrow Day in Barbados, a holiday honoring its first prime minister. Barrow served in the Royal Air Force in WWII before earning a law degree. He is credited with leading Barbados to independence from Britain, introducing free education, and improving healthcare.
Today is Errol Barrow Day in Barbados, a holiday honoring its first prime minister. Barrow served in the Royal Air Force in WWII before earning a law degree. He is credited with leading Barbados to independence from Britain, introducing free education, and improving healthcare.

ALT Today is Errol Barrow Day in Barbados, a holiday honoring its first prime minister. Barrow served in the Royal Air Force in WWII before earning a law degree. He is credited with leading Barbados to independence from Britain, introducing free education, and improving healthcare.

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With bitter cold temperatures and lake effect snow now expected through the early evening, don't forget to share our lifesaving winter weather preparedness info, available in 13 languages: bit.ly/4g6bXii
"Be Prepared for Winter Weather." Smart Advice in any language.

ALT "Be Prepared for Winter Weather." Smart Advice in any language.

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Every year, on the third Monday in January, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is recognized as a federal holiday in the U.S. The holiday honors the famous civil rights activist and promoter of equal rights for all Americans.
Statue of MLK

ALT Statue of MLK
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Join us in rooting for a @BuffaloBills victory!
The IIB team wearing Bills gear standing in front of the IIB sign

ALT The IIB team wearing Bills gear standing in front of the IIB sign
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Nowadays, it’s easy to get swept up in the rhetoric surrounding people who are foreign born. If you want to know the value of #immigrants and #refugees, take a few moments to look at some statistics and research we’ve compiled. You may be surprised! iibuffalo.org/news/value/
Immigrants and Refugees Drive the WNY Economy: 3K+ plus foreign-born business owners in Buffalo.

ALT Immigrants and Refugees Drive the WNY Economy: 3K+ plus foreign-born business owners in Buffalo.

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IIB would not be able to make WNY a better place for, and because of, immigrants and refugees were it not for the great people on our team and in the community. bit.ly/40nT9Vq
Behind the Scenes: The People Who Make IIB Great!

ALT Behind the Scenes: The People Who Make IIB Great!
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We're looking for an Accounting Supervisor to help us make Western New York a better place for, and because of, #immigrants and #refugees! Click below for position details: bit.ly/4gW0WRm
Hiring: Accounting Supervisor

ALT Hiring: Accounting Supervisor
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Today is Teachers’ Day in Thailand. While many countries have a day dedicated to honoring their educators, in Thailand, this day has been celebrated annually on this date since 1957.
Today is Teachers’ Day in Thailand. While many countries have a day dedicated to celebrating their educators, in Thailand, this day has been celebrated annually on this date since 1957.

ALT Today is Teachers’ Day in Thailand. While many countries have a day dedicated to celebrating their educators, in Thailand, this day has been celebrated annually on this date since 1957.
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Nowadays, it’s easy to get swept up in the rhetoric surrounding people who are foreign born. If you want to know the value of #immigrants and #refugees, take a few moments to look at some statistics and research we’ve compiled. You may be surprised! iibuffalo.org/news/value/
Immigrants and Refugees Pay Their Fair Share of Taxes: $384+ million in federal taxes

ALT Immigrants and Refugees Pay Their Fair Share of Taxes: $384+ million in federal taxes
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We're looking for a Director of Finance and Grants to help us make Western New York a better place for, and because of, #immigrants and #refugees! Click below for position details: bit.ly/4jezmAi
Hiring: Director of Finance and Grants

ALT Hiring: Director of Finance and Grants
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Today, folks across India celebrate Makar Sankranti, a harvest and thanksgiving festival marking the end of the traditional farming season and gathering of the first food from harvest. Depending on location, celebrations include bonfires and kite flying.
Today, folks across India celebrate Makar Sankranti, a harvest and thanksgiving festival marking the end of the traditional farming season and gathering of the first food from harvest. Depending on location, celebrations include bonfires and kite flying.

ALT Today, folks across India celebrate Makar Sankranti, a harvest and thanksgiving festival marking the end of the traditional farming season and gathering of the first food from harvest. Depending on location, celebrations include bonfires and kite flying.

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#MissionIgnite @cfcbuffalo, a nonprofit working to bridge the digital divide, recently hosted several classes for IIB clients. Focused on basic computer skills and navigation, the three workshops taught folks computer basics from navigating a desktop PC to using the internet.
Mission Ignite Teaches IIB Clients Digital Skills, Computer Basics

ALT Mission Ignite Teaches IIB Clients Digital Skills, Computer Basics
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