June Soh

Ancient Musical Treasures from Central China

Extremely rare Chinese musical instruments and works of art dating from 9,000 years ago are on display for the first time in the U.S. The archaeological treasures, mostly found in tombs in central China, give viewers a glimpse of the musical life of the ancient societies. VOA’s June Soh takes us to the exhibit at the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix, Arizona.

A Sweet Way to Help Syrian Refugees in US

An influx of Syrian refugees led a group of women in Phoenix, Arizona, to step in to help their new neighbors

A Sweet Way to Help Syrian Refugees

When refugees arrive in the US, they receive a small stipend to cover living expenses for three to six months, and they get some help from refugee resettlement agencies. After that, they are on their own to navigate their new country. In 2016, an influx of Syrian refugees led a group of women in Phoenix, Arizona to step in to help their new neighbors. VOA’s June Soh has more on the grass-roots effort. Her story is narrated by VOA's Carol Pearson.

Pop-up Shop Offers Refugee Women a Taste of Entrepreneurship    

Refugee Women Get a Taste of Entrepreneurship

When refugees arrive in a new country, they bring little to no material possessions. But many bring something more valuable: their talent and skills. Twenty refugee women and asylum seekers from different parts of the world recently came together at a pop-up store in Phoenix, Arizona, to display their homemade products and tell their compelling stories. VOA's June Soh spoke with some of the women in this report narrated by Carol Pearson.

A Glimpse of the Beautiful Side of Syria

The Alghatrifs plan to further expand by sponsoring workshops in Syria and in the U.S. to help Syrian artisans and refugees

A Glimpse of Beautiful Side of Syria

As Syria’s long-lasting war (started in 2011) has taken a toll on human lives and buildings, it has also destroyed the country’s deep-rooted artistic culture.  A Syrian immigrant family in the U.S. eastern state of Maryland is dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage and supporting artisans in the war-torn country. VOA’s June Soh visited Syriana Café and Gallery in Ellicott City where the family works to share the beauty of their native land. June Soh reports.

Musician Helps Toddlers Learn to 'Pass the Peace'

Leader of Harambee program hopes to teach youngsters to become peace ambassadors in their communities

Singer Inspires Peace and Unity Among Young Audiences

They say young children are like sponges. They soak up information from all around them unconsciously, and build on that core foundation for the rest of their lives. Baba Ras D, a corrections-officer-turned-singer, is a firm believer in the theory. He created a program for children that inspires peace and unity in the community. And the children love him and the program. VOA's June Soh met him at a performance in Washington.

Ohio Photo Exhibit Recaptures Bhutanese-Nepali Lost History

The portraits are on display in a history museum to make the point that Bhutanese-Nepali refugees, while they may have lost their history, are now part of Ohio’s history

Photo Exhibit Recaptures Bhutanese-Nepali Lost History

As refugees resettle in a new country, their identities are often lost in the transition. A photo exhibit in the U.S. Midwestern city of Columbus, Ohio, offers a small window into one local refugee community. VOA's June Soh explored the exhibit that sheds light on the refugees' brave journeys from Bhutan through refugee camps in Nepal before finally settling in central Ohio.

College Students Unite to Bring Relief to Refugees 

College Students Unite to Bring Relief to Refugees

As the number of world refugees continues to grow, they have become one of the global community's most needy groups. On a recent day, hundreds of students at a university outside Washington united to help bring food relief to families displaced by conflict. VOA's June Soh visited the George Mason University in Virginia.

Immigrants in Columbus Ohio Create a Lively Food Scene

Immigrants and refugees bring blossoming ethnic restaurant scene to US midwest

Immigrants, Refugees Revive Depressed Neighborhood in Columbus, Ohio

'Some refugees or some immigrants have great business skills. So they got into the business without help of the government … and they flourished,' explains Somali business owner Ahmed O. Haji

Washington Resident Strives to Break Cycle of Poverty in Africa

Action Africa focuses primarily in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, and Sierra Leone, one of the poorest countries in the world

Washington Resident Strives to Break Cycle of Poverty in Africa

Meet a Nigerian-American devotes his life to creating sustainable solutions for impoverished people in sub-Saharan Africa, one village at a time. VOA’s June Soh talked to Chris Egbulem of Action Africa in Washington. Molly McKitterick narrates.

US-Cuba 'Cultural Ambassador' Was Accidental Refugee

Jessi Calzado-Esponda became an accidental refugee when she was seven years old. And that was just the first of a chain of hardships she suffered from homelessness to a devastating car injury. Yet, she never lost hope and she is now a self-styled cultural ambassador who helps connect the U.S. and Cuba. VOA's June Soh shares her story.

Accidental Cuban Refugee Learns to Overcome Adversity

Jessi Calzado-Esponda left Communist island nation when she was seven and did not return for almost 20 years

Washington Shop Sells $3 Falafels to Feed Refugees

For every $10 that Falafel, Inc. makes, owner Ahmad Ashkar donates a day’s worth of food for a refugee to the UN World Food Program