Around 200 to 400 refugees relocate in the Memphis area from countries like Africa and Asia every year, arriving with the hope of beginning a new life, one without fear of persecution for their very own race or religion.
That’s how the Refugee Empowerment Program formed in 2007 in Memphis. The nonprofit offers education and language programs for refugees in the area, having moved here after the loss of family members or traumatic experiences. The program serves as a way for refugees to get back on their feet and become successful.
Sims Munn, the director of Youth Education at the Refugee Empowerment Program, talked about the need for volunteers to teach refugees English as a second language as well as teach adults and children in the after-school programs.
“These are the poorest of the poor,” Munn said. “Most have lost family members and do not speak English. They face many obstacles to being successful in overcoming poverty.”
The program aims to support refugees through educational welfare. The after school programs offer classes for adults and children geared towards reading comprehension, math, and English language. There are also adult college preparation classes available and pre-GED classes. Refugees come to America struggling with a new culture, language, and education. This program helps put refugees on a path with job opportunities and a good education.
“I think that in order for there to be change, there needs to be awareness,” Munn said. “I think people hear about it, they just don’t know how to help.”
Munn wanted to work with the urban poor, and admits that it can be quite challenging. She even opens up that some of the stories told by the refugees are hard to listen to.
“I don’t typically get the chance to sit down with them,” Munn said. “When they first get here they don’t speak much English. Some stories are hard to believe that people have endured all of that. It is nothing like we have faced at all.”
The program states that they actually do not have a problem recruiting, since refugees hear about the program through other refugees.
“The refugee community within themselves is strong,” Munn said.
Nicole Wright, student, spent time with the Refugee Empowerment Program as a volunteer in the after-school mentoring program. She helped students complete their homework assignments and helped them understand what concepts they were learning.
“This program allows relationships to be built while tasks are being accomplished,” Wright said. “The students were so eager to learn about their homework, and to build a relationship with their tutor.”
Wright encourages Memphians to get involved and volunteer with the Refugee Empowerment Program in order to ensure refugees feel respected and loved.
“When you volunteer your time and attention, the children are able to feel respected, valued, and important,” Wright said. “It is so inspiring to hear their stories and watch them grow. I am now aware of the number of the refugees in our city, and I respect these families.”
