When working with English Language Learners, one is bound to come in contact with refugees from other countries. Recent action on the part of the U.S. Government will lead to a dramatic rise in refugee resettlement in the United States. As this recent article in the Baptist Standard indicates, a major effort will be needed on the part of the refugee serving agencies to rebuild capacity.
While, for the most part, the needs of refugees are the same as many of our other students in regards to learning the English language and obtaining US citizenship, there are some major differences and many other things to consider such as cultural differences and student time lines for sustaining themselves in order to receive federal aid.
Churches in the United States have played a key role in providing hospitality to refugees for more than sixty years. To be prepared for the coming wave of refugees, churches also need to rebuild capacity. Refugees have participated in English classes in many church-based programs. Additionally, churches have helped refugees find employment, furniture, and apartments.
On Saturday, May 1, Literacy Connexus will host a symposium to help churches in the seven Texas cities that have typically resettled the most refugees: Abilene, Amarillo, Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio. While our primary focus will be on increasing capacity for classes in English and citizenship, we will also provide workshops to foster understanding of the uniqueness of refugee populations.
Additionally, we will address how churches can demonstrate hospitality by helping refugees find apartments and jobs as well as resources such as furniture. The symposium is provided at no charge through Literacy Texas. More information will follow. Please save Saturday, May 1, for this important time of training and preparation. Join us in learning about and preparing to continue serving those in need.