Sacred Letters: How Farsi Translations Are Building Bridges for Afghan Refugee Children

In West Sacramento, a quiet revolution is unfolding—one that speaks to the soul of spiritual hospitality. The Masons of California, in partnership with Raising a Reader and the Washington Unified School District, have funded a program providing bilingual books with Farsi translations for 150 young Afghan refugees. This initiative recognizes that literacy is not merely a skill but a sacred bridge between worlds.

“Imagine starting a life in a new country and not being able to communicate with your teachers and peers,” said Doug Ismail, president of the California Masonic Foundation. His words echo an ancient spiritual truth: language is the vessel of the spirit, and to deny a child their mother tongue is to sever them from their roots.

Currently, 61 percent of Raising a Reader program participants read at or above grade level in first grade, compared to 43 percent statewide. These bilingual books honor the children’s heritage while opening doors to new opportunities. As Michelle Torgerson, CEO of Raising a Reader, noted, “We are reaffirming our commitment to ensuring that every child feels seen, supported, and valued.” In a world often divided by borders, this act of literary compassion reminds us that the universal language of love transcends all tongues.