The IRC is excited to launch our virtual story time initiative! This initiative will allow families to enjoy story time together in their own languages with books they might not have at home while we are all staying safely quarantined. As schools adapt to remote learning, the IRC wanted to galvanize our energetic and passionate supporters through this innovative effort for young learners.

IRC youth reading a book
Photo: IRC.


The IRC in New York and New Jersey's youth programs work with refugee and asylee students and their families through school enrollments and advocacy, tutoring, and youth development. COVID-19 may have moved these programs online, but the IRC is determined to keep high quality programming up and running for children and youth. These programs usually involve large numbers of volunteers, and will now be supported through this new initiative, which will offer different reading level books recorded in their native languages. IRC youth program staff member Tiffany recorded a great example story for reference. Recordings will be organized and posted on YouTube for staff to share with IRC families!

How to participate:

Fill out this form to identify your languages and books! Further instructions and next steps will follow. For any questions, feel free to reach out to Rubyn Wasserman at [email protected].