Top 10 CNN Hero for 2016 <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2016%2F04%2F14%2Fus%2Fcnnheroes-luma-mufleh-soccer-fugees%2Findex.html">Luma Mufleh</a> founded the Fugees Family, a school and soccer program that serve the unique needs of Clarkston, Georgia's refugee population.
Top 10 CNN Hero for 2016 Luma Mufleh founded the Fugees Family, a school and soccer program that serve the unique needs of Clarkston, Georgia's refugee population.
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In addition to a soccer program, Mufleh started the Fugees Academy -- a school offering a curriculum tailored to the needs of refugee students.
In addition to a soccer program, Mufleh started the Fugees Academy -- a school offering a curriculum tailored to the needs of refugee students.
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Mufleh high fives a Fugees Academy student. The school graduated its first class in the spring of 2016.
Mufleh high fives a Fugees Academy student. The school graduated its first class in the spring of 2016.
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Academics are vital to the mission of the Fugees Family, but so is soccer. According to Mufleh, refugees new to the US often don't speak English, but the language of soccer is universal.
Academics are vital to the mission of the Fugees Family, but so is soccer. According to Mufleh, refugees new to the US often don't speak English, but the language of soccer is universal.
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The Fugees Family offers year-round soccer programs to boys and girls, along with a specialized education.
The Fugees Family offers year-round soccer programs to boys and girls, along with a specialized education.
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Since 2004, Mufleh and her organization have helped more than 850 refugee children from 28 different countries.
Since 2004, Mufleh and her organization have helped more than 850 refugee children from 28 different countries.
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Mufleh came to the US from Jordan and can relate to the challenges faced by refugee children. "When you've left your home, your family and everything you know to start new, that is very difficult," she said.
Mufleh came to the US from Jordan and can relate to the challenges faced by refugee children. "When you've left your home, your family and everything you know to start new, that is very difficult," she said.
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For children of the Fugees Family who have survived atrocities or are struggling to adapt to life in their new home, soccer is a much-needed escape.
For children of the Fugees Family who have survived atrocities or are struggling to adapt to life in their new home, soccer is a much-needed escape.
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Mufleh says she sees refugee children who have struggled for months "light up" when they get on the soccer field.
Mufleh says she sees refugee children who have struggled for months "light up" when they get on the soccer field.
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Even though the Fugees Family comes from different parts of the world, Mufleh sees something uniquely American about the program. "Everyone comes here for a better life," she said.
Even though the Fugees Family comes from different parts of the world, Mufleh sees something uniquely American about the program. "Everyone comes here for a better life," she said.
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