By Angie Wiggins
Since we began in 2017, we have desired to help refugee students through tutoring at what we called “Homework Club”, which was held at a local apartment clubhouse. Four years ago, we launched Migros Aid Academy – bringing students to our building who wanted to come.
The aim is to encourage and help, both academically and emotionally, those whose parents are unable to help with homework due to a lack of English or because they are at work in the evenings.
Mariam was a cuddly toddler when she began attending our preschool sessions. She is now a Kindergartner who can sound out words. Her teacher recently shared with us that she is a model of good behavior for other students and that she is learning everything quickly.
Laurent was getting ready for Kindergarten when we first started in 2022. He’s now a 3rd grader who passed his I-READ test a year early!
Byaombe was a preschooler, but now she is one of the strongest readers in her 2nd-grade class. Her natural enthusiasm for anything and everything is contagious.
Two-year-old Shine wasn’t even born when we began tutoring four years ago, but now she runs to the van every week when we pick her up.
These are just four of the many students who have attended Migros Aid Academy over the years.
The consistency of volunteers serving faithfully has created a community of students and tutors who know one another well. The students who come each week are known and loved dearly.
Knowing refugee and immigrant families makes headlines about immigration feel less abstract. When I read about national bans on people from certain parts of the world, I think of real families. I think of their struggles and joys, the ways families have adapted to life in the United States, and the contributions they make to the nation.
God’s call to “welcome the stranger” becomes much easier for us when the people are no longer strangers. I am thankful that knowing these students and their families has changed me and continues to broaden my understanding of God’s world.
Please feel free to contact us if you want to help and serve.
