Announcement
Camranh Le (top right), college & career readiness specialist, and the IRC's education team work together to create online tutoring opportunities for refugee youth.
Photo: Camranh Le/IRC
During quarantine, our isolation from others—vital for everyone’s health—has left many feeling alone. Students, especially those new to the U.S., feel left without the support they need to flourish. In an effort to help refugee high school students keep up with the education, the education team at the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Salt Lake City made a plan to answer those problems. Specifically, math problems.
In the time of physical distancing, instead of opening doors, we open laptops to reach the people we need. “Since so much of our role is dependent on being able to reach our students,” Camranh Le, IRC’s college & career readiness specialist, said. “We identified a need to keep in contact with them and learn how to navigate the new e-learning programs together.” Thanks to Hannah Oblock, refugee youth & education coordinator, and Hannah Collins, youth program intern, the education team gathered students on the Facebook group.
Tutors use platforms such as Zoom and Facebook Messenger to view students homework and offer the best feedback.
Photo: Camranh Le/ IRC
Each week, 15 volunteer tutors help approximately 20 students work through their homework and English practice. Camranh expressed her gratitude for the participation of everybody involved in this experimental project: “My tutors have been phenomenal in both their patience and flexibility as we work this new system out. Our students have also stepped up to the plate—increasing their engagement with tutors.
"My tutors have been phenomenal in both their patience and flexibility as we work this new system out. Our students have also stepped up to the plate."
Raquel Maynez is one of those tutors. She volunteered with the IRC before the pandemic, helping the immigration team in the office on Fridays. That drive for volunteering didn’t end with the temporary office closure, though, and she jumped on the opportunity to tutor youth. “Fun is the best word,” she said about tutoring. “It’s fun to talk with youth who are also excited to talk to you.”
Raquel, normally a volunteer for the immigration team when the office is open, quickly signed up for the Online Youth Tutor position to stay engaged in her community.
Photo: Courtesy of Raquel Maynez
Although interacting with students who are still mastering English poses its challenges, especially over the internet, Raquel has found tools for communicating. Surprisingly, emoticons, or emojis, have been an excellent resource. Using a picture, like a running emoji for a gym class assignment, adds clarification. The most satisfying moments come when she sees one of the students begin to understand the concepts studied. For one student, they focused on reviewing trigonometry during a Zoom call: “When it clicked, she just said ‘woah.’”
All ages are participating in creating a learning space for students. Although Raquel is in the process of applying for medical school, Dave Kam, another onling youth tutor, is a retired engineer. Since retiring, Dave wanted to contribute to the community. “It sounds corny, I know,” he said. “But I want to give back.” He has a passion for passing down his knowledge to the next generation. As a manager at his former workplace, he found the most joy in sharing his experience. “That’s what really motivates me,” he said.
Dave, a recently retired engineer, is investing himself in the community by volunteering as an Online Youth Tutor.
Photo: Courtesy of Dave Kam
Even though he knew he would be quickly replaced after retiring, he didn’t feel any resentment. “Young people have the best ideas,” he said, and he wants to support them in sharing those ideas.
For the volunteer tutors, this has been an eye-opening experience. “It’s really rewarding,” Raquel said. “My parents are immigrants so it’s close to home...I want [the students] to feel supported.”
Like Raquel and Dave, you can volunteer and support the IRC in Salt Lake City during the COVID-19 pandemic. Let’s work together while apart. Learn more>