Two of the biggest challenges for refugee claimants are:
- Getting their skills recognized
- Language acquisition
Refugee Access to Learning and Skill Development
Unfortunately, both of these challenges are rooted more in perceptions of refugee claimants than in their actual capabilities. Many of them were leaders in their communities, matching some of the best leaders here. Educated, capable, and making a difference, is what made them targets needing to flee.
This put their lives on hold until they could find safety and begin to rebuild and re-engage their skills.
The “T” in T.H.R.I.V.E. focuses on refugee training programs, skills development, and acceptance with an emphasis on access to the things people need to be able to engage or further their skills.
We are developing collaborative relationships and partnerships that will broaden this pathway to thriving, including:
Family Oriented Literacy Pathways: COMPASS is developing language learning and other literacy programs (financial, health, computer, digital, and cultural) that support family cohesion, improved school integration, community belonging, and access to meaningful employment.
Programs are a mix of collaborative initiatives with partner agencies as well as programs and workshops hosted by COMPASS, addressing the unique needs of refugee claimants.
This provides a fantastic opportunity for donors eager to provide catalyst funding that prioritizes newcomer family wellness and integration.
This also provides a great way for community members to share their time and expertise with people eager to learn and rebuild their lives in a welcoming community.
These are just some of the things we are building in the “T” of T.H.R.I.V.E. If education and literacy are passions for you, or for someone you know, let us know what you could do to help us creatively grow this pathway to thriving!
Get Involved
COME and add to a growing story of impact that needs no ending. COME and help us ensure that we become so valuable to our community that we could not, not, be here; that none of us could imagine being without each other.
