Announcement
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Salt Lake City has the opportunity to work with refugees through unique challenges during their first two years in the United States, while the nationwide average for most refugee agencies is only six months. During this time, our mission is to help new arrivals rebuild their lives in the U.S. and providing the resources needed so they can strive to reach for the future they envision for themselves. Since personal finances are relevant on a daily basis, financial education is one of the key steps towards self-sufficiency helping refugee families feel confident in their fiscal decisions. That’s why the IRC’s economic wellbeing team often teams up with community partners to create classes on business and finances.
The economic wellbeing team has been leading business classes in partnership with the Women’s Business Center of Utah as well as a fall financial education workshop series. Each one is designed to meet participants at their level, taking experienced participants deeper into the subjects as well as covering the basics for beginners. The workshops are tailored to meet the specific needs of refugee entrepreneurs while also expanding on mainstream practices that will help them start and grow their own businesses.
Claire Kirkland assembled the business class presentations based on what she imagined she would want to know as a business owner.
Photo: Courtesy of Claire Kirkland/IRC
Claire Kirkland, the microenterprise development AmeriCorps VISTA, created presentations for the classes and shared them with participants after. In making them, she asked herself, If I were to make a business, what would I want to know? According to her and Maria Gigourtaki, the economic empowerment program manager, even people from out of state have been participating, as the workshops focus on the ins and outs of building a business in Utah. Although Maria expected the pandemic to diminish class sizes, the opposite has occurred. Participants have been actively engaged. Claire comments that they have been asking complex questions and she has been grateful for her knowledgeable team.
Immigrants, including those who arrive as refugees and asylees, come with the hope to work hard to support themselves, their families and their community. Often though, they encounter a new financial system without any clear explanations. As the most likely population to start their own business in the U.S., this education is vital for them to act on their dreams.
The financial workshops have been serving a similar purpose for refugees across the country who are learning more about finance. These financial classes have been in connection with several IRC offices across the United States. “You couldn’t find more empathetic teachers,” Claire says, adding that the subject is hard for her as well and that she’s impressed by the bravery shown by refugees who are doing everything they can to learn.
Maria Gigourtaki teaches in the classes while helping address questions raised by participants. She is excited to see so many women participate in the classes.
Photo: Courtesy of Maria Gigourtaki/IRC
Maria observed that the financial classes had increased participation from women in comparison to the business classes, as she saw that households would learn together, including couples and older children. “Which is amazing,” she says, “It’s great to see women part of the conversation and utilizing technology.”
Thankfully, many IRC staff members are multilingual and have been leading classes in Spanish and Farsi. However, refugees in classes with interpreters have been able to help explain concepts, Maria shares, even breaking down the idea of investments. “People with skill and talent can benefit us and other [refugees],” Maria says. “They understand the barriers and culture, it’s easier for them to connect.”
This is what makes classes like these beneficial in multiple ways. They not only teach sound economic principles, but they provide a space for our newest neighbors to connect with their communities.
You can support refugee entrepreneurs every day by supporting local, refugee-owned businesses. In the coming weeks, our economic empowerment team will help a group of refugee entrepreneurs launch a collaborative Holiday Gift Basket project. Purchase myriad masterfully crafted items handmade by refugee artisans just in time for the holiday giving season. Stay tuned for more information and reach out by email to learn more at [email protected].