Navigating an Uncertain Path
For most students in high school, the path to college can feel overwhelming and uncertain. Entering into the American school system as a refugee means navigating an unfamiliar environment—learning a new language, adapting to a different curriculum and schedule, and adjusting to an entirely new culture—often after years of disrupted or limited access to education.
According to the UNHCR’s 2025 Global Trends Report, only 9 percent of refugees across the world enroll in higher education—a clear reflection of the barriers that prevail, from financial constraints and language challenges to limited guidance in navigating college applications, financial aid, scholarships, and admissions requirements.
Without the same support networks many of their peers may have, these tasks can quickly become daunting.
A Bridge to the Future
As global enrollment gaps show, refugee students often face compounding challenges as they move through the education system, especially when preparing for higher education. Programs that provide guidance and mentorship can play a critical role in closing that gap.
The Bridge Mentorship Program at Refugee Hope Partners was intentionally created to step into that gap. The Bridge Program director, Anna Christian Allen (AC), serves as a steady resource to both students and mentors. This 2025-2026 school year, the Bridge Program has 23 mentor/mentee pairs, with students attending 8 different Wake County high schools.
Students are in monthly contact with their mentors, often meeting in person, to discuss academic goals, career plans, and building relationships with one another. AC helps guide mentors as they support their mentees and creates opportunities for students to come together and navigate challenges as a community. She ensures the program is a place of encouragement, guidance, and lasting relationships.
Answering the Call to Mentor
One of our Bridge Program mentors, Kara Griffith, is a pastor at Christ Our Life Anglican Church in Raleigh. Kara came to mentoring through a desire to find tangible ways for the congregation to be involved in their community.
“It just felt really aligned with what we were hoping to be about at Christ Our Life… it felt like this incredible gift to be able to partner with RHP.”
For mentors like Bob Willet, that church partnership became his path to serving. After returning to the Fuquay-Varina area after retiring, Bob and his wife began attending Christ Our Life, and Kara encouraged him to step into the Bridge program.
Using Gifts to Serve
Kara and Bob both shared a natural passion for working with high school students. Before becoming a pastor, she spent years working as a teacher, and Bob worked alongside high schoolers through various programs in history and engineering.
“It felt like a natural leaning into gifts that I already had,” Kara said, “especially knowing how to help them see through the next steps after high school.”
They both felt an even deeper sense of purpose in supporting refugee students.
“Working with refugees, who often have unique needs compared to people who have grown up here in America,” Bob said. “It felt like a meaningful way to engage in ministry and outreach within the community.”
Building Meaningful Relationships
Kara’s mentee is a young woman named Parveen*, whose sister she had previously mentored. At the end of their mentoring relationship, Shikiba* asked Kara if she would become her sister’s mentor.
“Getting to be in the same home for almost three years now has been really beautiful.”
She describes both girls as All-Star students.
“I am so struck by both of their kindness and humility.” Kara shared. “They speak multiple languages… it is everything I can do to get them to see just how remarkable they are.”
Moments That Matter
Kara shared an especially impactful moment, being invited to attend Shikiba’s* high school graduation. She remembers seeing Shikiba* walk across the stage, accomplishing something that she had worked so hard for.
“Being there with her whole family was really special. There were also two women who had welcomed them and helped them get settled when they first arrived in the United States… and to be part of the community that came alongside their family was really incredible.” Kara shared.
Bob’s current mentee, Salomon*, arrived in the United States from a small country in Africa only a few years ago. He shared that building his relationship with Salomon* and becoming part of his life has been especially meaningful.
“I try not to be pushy, saying “you just need to do it this way right now.” Bob shared. “I just want to walk alongside him… the twist and turns and everything.”
Looking Ahead
Bob shared that Salomon* has been thriving in school. An A–B student who was recently exempt from his exams, Salomon* has impressed Bob not only with his academic success but also with his willingness to meet with him and be present.
“He’s always ahead of me.” Bob shared. “He’s attentive to our time together. That’s always been very impressive to me… it shows a lot about him that he’s taking this initiative.”
Salomon’s* goal after graduation is to become an electrician like his dad was in Africa. He wants to go to Wake Tech to gain an associate degree and get his technical training.
Kara and Parveen* have also been having conversations about what comes next after graduation. Parveen*, in particular, has had a lot of questions: What kind of degree should she pursue? Should she be looking into universities or other pathways?
“I try to help her to ask herself questions like “what kind of things get me excited?” or “what am I passionate about?” Kara shared. “And then, how can we think about college and career coming from that place?”
The Power of Presence
Mentorship has become one of the most meaningful rhythms of Kara’s life. It isn’t about having all the answers, but about showing up.
“Mentorship is primarily being able to just be with a person and learn to listen really well to what they’re saying,” Kara explained. “Sometimes it’s even paying attention to things they don’t know how to articulate and helping them ask good questions. I see my role as being a consistent presence and then offering guidance out of that.”
Parveen* agrees that having someone to walk alongside her during this season of life has made a difference in her outlook not only on her future, but herself.
“Ms. Kara encourages and reminds me that I do not need to rush.” Parveen* shared. “She gives me advice on taking time to relax, staying patient, and trusting that everything will work out… her support really helps me feel more motivated and confident.”
Transformation for Both Mentors and Students
Being a Bridge mentor is not only transformational for the student, but the mentor as well. Taking the time to slow down and be with another person in their journey shapes perspective on our own time and priorities.
“We’re all busy,” Kara explains. “I’m a pastor and a mom of three, so it feels like there’s always something else I could be doing. But every single month, when the day comes that I’m supposed to meet with my mentee, I sometimes think, ‘I don’t have time for this.’ And then I walk away from that hour thinking, “That was the most important hour I spent this month.”
She describes those moments as sacred.
“To bring Christ into that home is just an honor,” Kara shared. “Our world needs us to come close to people…radically close. I really believe that’s where transformation happens.”
A Lasting Impact
For Bob, seeing Salomon* grow, contribute to his community, and even spend a summer working with children at a local community center has been incredibly encouraging. It motivates him to continue supporting and affirming Salomon’s* strengths as he builds his life in the United States.
“I say having a mentor is good as a high schooler,” Salomon* shared. “You have someone that can help you find a pathway into your life and career.”
Parveen* echoes that sentiment as she looks ahead to the next chapter of her life.
“I’m excited about learning more, growing as a person, and starting a new journey as a university student,” she said. “My mentor plays a big role in helping me believe those things are possible.”
An Invitation to Get Involved
For Kara and Bob, the invitation to mentor is as simple as keeping an open mind and heart to what God is calling you to see and do.
“People sometimes wonder if they have enough time or if they know enough about high school or the college process,” she said. “But Refugee Hope Partners equips mentors really well. You don’t have to be an expert. You just have to show up, listen with love, and be curious.”
In doing so, mentors become part of something bigger than themselves. They become an instrument in the work that God is doing.
The Bridge Program continues to grow, and with it comes the need for more mentors willing to walk alongside refugee students during one of the most important seasons of their lives. For those willing to step into the journey, the impact goes far beyond college applications and career planning.
It all begins with showing up, listening well, and reminding a student that they do not have to walk the road alone.