Youth Program

Refugee and immigrant youth face unique challenges. War, displacement and trauma interrupt the educational and social processes for youth and their families. Limited social and economic resources often mean that families live below the poverty line and have greater difficulty accessing services.

ReWA's Youth Program offers activities that help children succeed in school, develop effective problem-solving skills and create supportive peer networks.

In addition to helping the program participants with after-school activities which promoted academic success and excellence, the Youth Program provides children and youth with an opportunity to explore their cultural identities and family traditions through oral histories, folk tales and drama. As a result, the children's self-esteem, cultural pride and school performance improve. Because the older program participants often act as facilitators, mentors and tutors, they emerge with leadership skills that prepare them for future job opportunities and further involvement with the community.

Each quarter, the program culminates in a performance that parents, teachers, friends and community members attend. The children are the writers, producers and actors, and the presentations are made in both English and native languages.