Education & Enrichment.

adult refugee students

mentor pairings

K-college students

At Refugee Hope Partners (RHP), our Education & Enrichment programs form a vital pillar of service, dedicated to fostering academic growth, confidence, and holistic development for refugees of all ages. We provide comprehensive support through a range of initiatives designed to meet the unique educational needs of our community. From early childhood education to college preparation and adult learning, our programs emphasize independence, lifelong learning, and meaningful mentorship. By partnering with local schools, community organizations, and volunteers, RHP creates enriching experiences that bridge gaps in education, promote social integration, and empower refugees to thrive in their new environments.

On any given week, you may see 400+ refugees come through our doors to participate in Education & Enrichment programs. In the Bridge program alone, more than 94 mentors and students have been paired since 2019. Today, more than 175 kindergarten through college-aged students may come to programs weekly.

Programs.

ADULT EDUCATION

The Adult Education Program at Refugee Hope Partners (RHP) offers multi-level English instruction in a welcoming environment to help refugees improve their reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills, enabling them to better navigate life in the U.S. With three different ESL cohort schedules at the Welcome Center, we ensure flexible learning opportunities for adults throughout the week. Additionally, ESL Kid’s Club provides educational activities for the children of adult learners, allowing families to learn English together. Our year-round classes, complemented by mid-term breaks, cater to the continuous influx of refugee students. Beyond English classes, RHP provides opportunities for instruction regarding citizenship, financial literacy, health, and wellness, which foster independence and holistic growth for our adult learners.

ACADEMIC SUPPORT (HOMEWORK HELP)

The Homework Help Program at Refugee Hope Partners (RHP) provides a welcoming environment where students can enhance their academic success, build confidence, and develop meaningful relationships. Managed by RHP staff and supported by dedicated volunteers, this foundational program serves students from Kindergarten through college at multiple locations in Raleigh. By partnering with schools and churches, we ensure that students receive necessary support through tutoring, reading, educational games, and enrichment activities. Emphasizing core values such as fostering excitement for learning, championing and empowering students, and promoting both academic and holistic growth, we celebrate each milestone in our students’ educational journeys. Recognizing the global challenge of nearly 15 million school-aged refugees not attending school (UNHCR Unlocking Potential 2023 Report), we are committed to offering invaluable educational opportunities to our students.

BRIDGE PROGRAM

The Bridge Program at Refugee Hope Partners (RHP) is designed to empower and equip young adults to achieve their academic and career aspirations. Focusing on high school juniors and seniors, the program pairs interested students with dedicated mentors who guide them through college applications, financial aid processes, and career exploration. In addition to providing spiritual encouragement and high school guidance, the Bridge Program celebrates significant milestones and fosters lifelong relationships. As students transition from high school to higher education and beyond, they benefit from continued support and resources. Reflecting its impact, the percentage of refugee students pursuing higher education has increased from 1% in 2019 to 7% in 2023 (UNHCR).

EARLY LEARNING CLUB

The Early Learning Club (ELC) Program at Refugee Hope Partners (RHP) provides a two-day-per-week learning experience for children aged 3 to pre-K. Our mission is to equip and support young children as they develop independence and cultivate a love of learning and reading. By focusing on core values such as instilling confidence, improving English skills, and fostering independence, the ELC program effectively prepares children for kindergarten. Notably, the majority of students graduating from our ELC program go on to finish kindergarten on grade level, demonstrating the program’s significant impact on early childhood education and readiness.

LAUNCH PROGRAM

RHP’s Launch Program focuses on students in grades 6-10, before they transition into The Bridge mentorship program at the beginning of their junior year of high school. Local organization ServeMyCmunity.Org partnered with RHP to create the Launch Program in 2020!

Grades 6-10 are critical times for students as they learn about academic independence and the increased responsibility of young adulthood. The Launch Program supports these students by providing tutoring, study skills coaching, targeted remediation, and a community of hope! Students are also encouraged as they participate in school extracurricular activities. Celebration is a core value of this program and the Launch team is there to celebrate accomplishments every step of the way.

“The Launch Program fills a gap in the social and educational journey of these students,” said Akash and Dhru Govindji, co-managers of ServeMyCmunity.org. “We are proud to provide financial support to this program, and we are amazed every day by the strength and perseverance of these students.”

School Support.

WAKE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS (WCPSS)

Refugee Hope Partners (RHP) plays a vital role in supporting Wake County Public Schools (WCPSS) by fostering strong connections between schools and refugee families. RHP facilitates communication between parents and schools, ensuring parents are well-equipped to advocate for their children’s education. Additionally, RHP has had the opportunity to provide specialized training for teachers to help them understand and address the unique challenges faced by refugee students. By offering access to medical care, RHP helps reduce absenteeism, ensuring students can attend school regularly and thrive academically. Through these comprehensive efforts, RHP enhances the educational experience and success of refugee students within WCPSS.

Education & Enrichment Partners.

Refugee Hope Partners (RHP) addresses the experiential gaps that often hinder refugee students’ ability to connect with their peers by partnering with a variety of enrichment partners. Our goal with these partnerships is to engage students with enriching experiences that promote holistic growth, offering opportunities in athletics, music, arts, social activities, and health and wellness that they might not otherwise access. Through these partnerships, RHP aims to instill confidence, provide rich experiences, and build a strong community, ensuring that refugee students can expand their horizons and fully integrate into their new environments.

EDUCATION & ENRICHMENT PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

SWIM FOR LIFE LESSONS

VIOLIN LESSONS FOR REFUGEES

LITERARY PROGRAM FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

MIDDLE SCHOOL ACADEMIC SUPPORT