Donations sought for 3rd annual program to prep refugee children for school in America – News – Rockford Register Star – Rockford, IL
ROCKFORD The organizers of a faith-based crash course on life in American schools for refugee children in the Rockford area are making a push for donations to the program this month.
In its third year, the Welcome Project is a weeklong program created by members of Temple Baptist Church, 3215 E. The program for refugee children is designed to provide basic knowledge about living and attending school in the United States and to teach conversational English, math and computer skills, along with other subjects, before children begin classes in the fall.
“We’re pushing to get as many people donating as possible,” said project director Todd Rhines, 21, of South Beloit.
The free program, set for July 23-27, is not referred to as “camp” because these children may have different perceptions of that word. You don’t understand what these kids have experienced.”
The refugees are legal immigrants to the United States.
Approximately 70 children have registered for the program, Rhines said. Last year, 74 children attended the weeklong program, which is designed for children entering the third through eighth grades. You’re not going to say ‘no’ because they’re cute and need help,” Rhines said.
The Chinese student union at Rockford University is donating backpacks for the children.
“We’re trying to get school supplies donated,” he said, including pens, pencils, folders and notebooks.
Food donations also are requested, such as muffins, pudding cups and fruit cups, Rhines said, because the children will receive two free meals daily during the program. However, since “a good number of (children) are returning (this year), some of them can act as interpreters themselves,” Rhines said.
Kristen Zambo: 815-987-1339; kzambo@rrstar.com; @KristenZambo
How to help
To make a donation, contact Temple Baptist Church at 815-399-2665 or Welcome Project director Todd Rhines at 608-481-0415 or rhinestodd@gmail.com.
