Volunteer Testimonials
The TRR Home Tutoring Program gives volunteers the opportunity to work individually with resettled refugee students on a weekly basis, assisting them with schoolwork in various subjects, reading practice, and conversational language acquisition. However, as is evidenced by the testimonials below, the volunteer experience extends far beyond simply tutoring, as it allows the volunteer to develop a lasting relationship with his or her student and their family. In this capacity, our volunteers are not only tutors, but also friends, mentors, and role models.
Continue reading to see how working with TRR has impacted the lives of some of our volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering with TRR, please email Jillian Musarra, the Home Tutoring program director.
Lisa and Omaira
"In March of this year I had the privilege of meeting one of the Burmese families aided by The Refugee Response on Cleveland's West side. I was paired with Omaira, a thirteen year old girl, one of ten children. Recently when working together on a curriculum project I learned that Omaira and her family came to America only 2 years ago. The kids were asked to make a timeline of the important events in their life and "coming to the United States" was the first to be placed on Omaira's line. It was in doing this exercise that I realized how much Omaira and her family have had to learn in such a short time. I am so struck by how precious reading, learning, and education is to all of them. Every week the students improve in their ability to speak, read, and comprehend. I've not only had the opportunity to take part in helping them reach their educational goals but have also been enlightened by their thoughts, spirit of tenacity, sincerity, and kindness."
- Lisa
Harrison and Arpolah
"When I became a tutor with The Refugee Response, I thought I was signing up to be a teacher, to help a kid with math and science once a week like other tutoring experiences I've had in the past. What I got, however, was the opportunity to be brought into a Burmese family as one of their own. When I come to the house on Wednesday evenings, I'm greeted with the boisterous joy of ten kids and the warm welcome of a mother who insists I call her A Daw (which is Burmese for "auntie"). Arpolah, the student I work with, and I usually go to the library to work on his homework, but we often get sidetracked in long conversations about girls and soccer (what else is there in the world?). Each week his command of English grows as he learns to use the language with more confidence. It has been an honor to be a part of Arpolah's enculturation and a joy to be a member of his family. If you're looking for a tutoring experience that is more than just tutoring, I can't recommend The Refugee Response enough."
-Harrison
Tom and Metullah
"Although it has only been a short time, I feel that my life has been enriched by getting to know Metullah and his family. The relative ease of my life growing up in the United States is something I can easily take for granted. This volunteer work helps keep me grounded, and I hope that, in return, I am helping my student develop the skills he will need to thrive in the U.S."
-Tom