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July 2006 Issue |
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| Students Plus Graduates |
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Sheiknur Mumin (left) and Abdi Ahmed (right) were active participants in IRC's Students Plus program and it shows! They just graduated from Crawford High School. Originally from Somalia and only in the US for 4 and 6 years respectively, Sheiknur and Abdi attended the Students Plus After School Program nearly every day. At the program, they received assistance with their homework, English, and preparation for the California High School Exit Exam, which they both passed.
The Students Plus Program saw 12 of its regular participants graduate this year, no small feat for refugee youth who had their education interrupted by war and years in a refugee camp. Students Plus staff and volunteers provide a safe place after school to complete homework, make connections with other students, and learn about life in the US. Each day, approximately 50 students attend the 3 hour voluntary program at Crawford High School in City Heights.
Sheikhnur and Abdi will attend Grossmont College in the Fall.
Congratulations!
Phtos: Top - Sheiknur Mumin (left) and Abdi Ahmed (right) Bottom - Students Plus Program Coordinator Christina Piranio Smiling with Graduate |
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More Information on Students Plus |
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IRC Helps Hundreds Become US Citizens |
During this 4th of July week, we thought it appropriate to share about IRC San Diego's Citizenship Program. Over the past year, the IRC San Diego Immigration Department has helped 677 people apply for US Citizenship. Refugees may apply for citizenship 5 years after arriving in the US. As a group, refugees have a much higher rate of naturalizing than other immigrant groups.
In addition to helping applicants complete immigration forms, IRC offers a Citizenship Class twice per week which teaches US History and Civics in preparation for the Citizenship interview. Though the citizenship interview focuses on 100 questions, this course strives to educate students on the structure of the US Government and the history of the US.
"The best part of the class", says Pat Hoffman, "is when the students return after sucessfully passing the citizenship interview. They are so happy and want to share the good news with the whole class."
Photo: New Citizen Issac Amol, from Sudan, and Teacher Pat Hoffman and Volunteer Yvette Hardy |
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IRC San Diego Immigration Services |
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| IRC Picnic Great Fun for All |
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On Saturday, June 24, around 65 IRC Staff, Volunteers, and clients joined together for a potluck picnic at Balboa Park. Thank you to all who participated and brought wonderful food.
Join us next year! |
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IRC Garage Sale Saturday July 15 |
IRC has found itself in need of a clean sweep so on Saturday, July 15, we are having a garage sale in the parking lot of our office. We need volunteers! If pricing and bargaining are your thing, help us out! We need people as early at 7 am.
If you would like to help, please contact Sharon:
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sharond@theirc.org |
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| IRC Accepting On-Line Donations |
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If you find it convenient to make a contribution on-line, we now have that capability. Using the link below, you may make a one-time donation or a recurring monthly or quarterly donation.
Your donation is tax deductible to the fullest extent allowable by law. If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Sharon Darrough at 619 641-7510, ext. 249 or sharond@theirc.org.
All donations are greatly appreciated and efficiently utilized. |
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On-Line Donation |
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Lost Boys Book Now in Paperback |
If you've been putting off reading "They Poured Fire on Us From the Sky", a memoir written by three IRC San Diego clients and their volunteer mentor, don't delay any longer. Now available in paperback, this book about the lives of three young boys (the authors) orphaned by war in Sudan is hard to put down.
It is available at local book stores and on-line at Amazon.com. This is a great book for a young adult as well. You won't be disappointed! |
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TheyPouredFire.com |
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| Advocate for IRC - Your Help Needed |
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| If you want to learn about the issues that impact refugees nationally and world-wide, visit the IRC website's "Issues" section. Here, you will learn about important issues and what you can do to help. There is something you can do: get informed, sign a petition, and advocate for refugees! |
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www.theirc.org |
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IRC Mission |
| Founded in 1933, the IRC is a global leader in emergency relief, rehabilitation, protection of human rights, post-conflict development, resettlement services and advocacy for those uprooted or affected by conflict and oppression. |
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www.theirc.org/sandiego |
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