Miriam is on a Roll
Straight A’s are excellent validation for any student, but for rising eighth-grader Miriam, her place on the high honor roll represents more than academic success. Before being resettled by RefugeeOne in 2012, Miriam didn’t speak a word of English and had not set foot in a classroom in years. Her story is one of bravery and determination—as well as the support that a dedicated community can lend.
Miriam was born in Burma in 2000, a country that has been wracked by violent conflict and human rights violations for more than 50 years. When she was a little girl, her father fled the country in fear for his life. The family hoped his exile would be temporary, but a few years later, it became clear that Miriam, her mother, and her siblings were not safe either. They traveled to Malaysia to join her father, but even outside of Burma, the family’s dreams of safety and education were out of reach: refugee children are not eligible for public school there and Miriam’s parents could not afford to send their children to private school consistently. After almost three years in Malaysia, they heard the news: Miriam, along with her mother, father, older sister, and younger brother, would be resettled in Chicago. “I felt uncomfortable and happy too when I arrived. I’d never seen such a city,” she explains. “And I felt lonely.” Click here to read more about Miriam. |
Backpack and School Supply Drive
The first day of school is right around the corner and our backpack drive is underway!
Having the right school supplies is the first step in doing well in school. Help us ensure that the refugee youth (ages 4-18) in our programs are equipped to do well in their studies this academic year. Donate new book bags or school supplies, or make a $25 donation to sponsor a backpack filled with supplies. Donations of school supplies can be dropped of at: RefugeeOne 4753 North Broadway Suite 401 Chicago, IL 60653 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday |
