Refugees resettled by the International Rescue Committee take part in an international program called Soccer Without Borders that uses the sport to help resettled refugees and immigrants adapt and thrive in their new homes. Read the full story. Read the full story.

Mariela Shaker is a refugee from Aleppo, one of more than 4.8 million Syrians who have fled the brutal war that has engulfed the country for six years. Her home is largely in ruins, and she describes the city as a slaughterhouse, but her entire family is still there, struggling to survive. The 26 year old’s incredible musical talent earned her a full scholarship to study in the United States—and a reprieve from the violence.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the IRC has been able to deliver school supplies to families and continue serving refugee students in our Ready to Read after-school program in Seattle. IRC tutors meet with students in an online classroom, assigning them books to read that correspond with their current reading level. Students who do not have computer or internet access receive printed copies of the same books.