PAIR (Partnership for the Advancement and Immersion of Refugees)
Most people are aware that there is a global refugee crisis, with 65.6 million people being forcibly displaced from their homes. What many people do not understand is that we as individuals have the power to help refugees.
There are plenty of great ways to help, but one way is to volunteer through a local organization, such as PAIR (Partnership for the Advancement and Immersion of Refugees).
PAIR is a non-profit that improves the lives of young refugees as they face the great challenges of learning a new language and adapting to a new way of life.
In their own words, PAIR has programs that “assist youth in adjusting to American life, achieving academic success, and becoming self-sufficient and engaged members of our community.”
I started volunteering with PAIR during junior year, and I can attest that it is an amazing organization.
After class ended on Wednesday, I would drive to Paul Revere Middle School and serve as a mentor/tutor for young refugees that attended school there.
For many students, middle school is already a rough time. I can’t imagine how difficult it must be navigating middle school as a refugee, where academic and social pressures are combined with adjusting to a new country and a new language.
Knowing the difficulties these students face made it all the more gratifying to see them become more comfortable with English, learn new things, and just have fun at the end of the day.
For anyone seeking to make a difference in the lives of refugees, PAIR is an excellent organization and a great place to start.
If you would like more information about PAIR, please visit our profile page or the official charity website.
Thanks for reading,
Claire
Enjoy some pictures of volunteers and refugee students:
Here’s some more information from the UNHCR (The United Nations Refugee Agency) about the refugee crisis:
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