In 2023, IINE helped refugee youth to set and achieve educational and career goals and fostered opportunities for them to engage with their peers and community. Youths were matched with volunteer mentors and English tutors, participated in peer support groups, and had a lot of fun engaging in social activities throughout the year, including:
Swimming
Refugee youths expressed themselves through arts and crafts during Art Afternoon sessions throughout the summer. A particular highlight was an afternoon spent painting flower pots. They then planted herbs—choosing from parsley, sweet basil, coriander, and chives as well as spider plants, which they were able to take home.
Art Afternoons
Twenty-five Afghan girls, ranging from toddlers to preteens, learned the basics of swimming at the North Andover YMCA in Massachusetts, thanks to water-safety lessons taught by the Merrimack College women’s swim team. In addition to providing a safe and supportive space for lessons, the YMCA provided swimsuits, goggles, and swim diapers for children.
Refugee
Youth
Received
hours of mentorship
in 2023
Youth Program Offerings:
Tutoring
IINE offers individualized learning support to help youth grow their skills and knowledge and achieve their personal academic goals. Clients can receive extra support from volunteer tutors on subjects such as math homework to job interview preparation. Clients also have access to self-study — an independent form of learning that focuses on improving English listening, reading, and writing skills. All levels of English are welcome.
Art
Clients can express themselves through various art forms such as drawing, painting, bracelet-making, origami, and more. This event is welcome to all clients as a haven to feel safe, share their artistic talents, and make friends.
Yoga and Teatime
This event consists of a 30-minute yoga practice followed by a tea session. Clients are encouraged to participate by moving through yogic postures that increase flexibility, relaxation, and mental clarity. The yoga instructor will guide clients through some breathing exercises, meditation, and physical movements. After the yoga practice, clients can enjoy a variety of tea, snacks, and conversation. All yoga supplies will be provided. Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing recommended.
Personal and Professional Workshops
Every month, the Youth department offers an array of educational workshops that support clients in expanding their professional and personal goals. Local community organizations provide informational and/or interactive sessions for clients to learn more about opportunities available in the community. Past community participants have included the Lowell Community Health Center, Starbucks, and Middlesex Community College. Most events will offer translated literature.
Unite Women Club
These empowering events include informational workshops, support groups, and social activities for female clients. They provide a safe and comforting space for clients to learn about their rights and opportunities in the U.S. Events have included safety training, workforce support, and community dinners.
Pop-up Events
These are events that do not have a set schedule or date. Events can include sporting events, informational sessions, soccer/basketball clinics, community meals, and more!
Youth Mentoring
Mentors provide others with guidance, advice, and training. The role of a mentor is to help develop a mentee’s skills and professional development. Mentors and mentees are required to meet at least once a week. All mentors are volunteers who have been approved and trained by IINE staff. Mentoring is available to all youth clients.
Workforce Opportunities
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) was signed into law on July 22, 2014. WIOA is designed to help job seekers access employment, education, training, internships, and support services to succeed in the labor market and to match employers with the skilled workers they need to compete in the global economy. IINE offers WIOA programming to clients with intermediate to advanced fluency in English. Clients can work towards a high school equivalency diploma (HiSET) and/or complete a certificate program to support their future.