Announcement
Olivia - IRC Youth Program Volunteer
Sometimes the right volunteer comes along at the right time. This was the case when Olivia joined the IRC as a youth program volunteer. After moving back to Wichita, Olivia was looking for a way to get involved in the community. Having an education in social work, she knew she wanted to volunteer directly with people who come from marginalized backgrounds. Olivia’s friend was working for the IRC at the time and suggested volunteering with refugees. Intrigued, she took the leap, completed the volunteer application, and is now carving out a new path for both the IRC and the students with whom she works.
The IRC’s Program Coordinator, Nayu Wilson, recognized Olivia’s strengths and knew she would be an excellent fit to help implement a new youth leadership program. Olivia now facilitates a group of students who are creating an orientation that will prepare future refugees for high school in Wichita. Olivia loves facilitating this group because it’s utilizing the peer support model. She explains this by saying, “No one knows the experiences of navigating high school when you’re new to the U.S. better than the students who already experienced this. It’s a project that is best led by these students.” She also takes the time to work with youth on setting both academic and personal goals. Providing students with the tools which empower them and set them up for success is something Olivia enjoys.
Both staff and students appreciate Olivia’s open-minded attitude as well as her listening skills, which make students feel comfortable giving their opinions. Additionally, Olivia’s participation and enthusiasm for advocacy work has shown the IRC the possibility of using volunteers to advocate towards making the Wichita community more welcoming for refugees.
The IRC and its students aren’t the only ones benefiting from Olivia’s dedication, however. She says that it’s a mutually beneficial relationship. By taking the time to connect and get to know her students, Olivia has been able to learn about other cultures and the experiences refugees face. Before the program went virtual due to the pandemic, students would share their love of afrobeat music with her as she drove them home after group meetings. She also believes it’s important to be involved as the past year has taught us the importance of human connection. “We don’t live in isolated boxes; we all need help. Our actions affect each other, and this is a great way to get to know people in your community.” The IRC in Kansas is grateful for Olivia’s support and is excited to watch her students flourish into tomorrow’s leaders.
