Refugee Adolescent Empowerment

Refugee Adolescent Empowerment (RAE), a peer group for young refugee women, was formed in November 2009 by an AmeriCorps VISTA working at the IRC in Seattle. The group provides a forum for young refugee women between the ages of 12-19 to turn to for additional help as they integrate within their new community.
RAE provides an open environment to discuss issues young refugee women face while transitioning into a new country and culture. The group covers topics of identity, achieving short and long term goals, finding and building a new home in a new country, addressing changes in gender roles and relationships, self-care and physical well being, financial literacy, and exploring education and vocational opportunities.
In addition to focused discussions, participants of RAE have the opportunity to engage in their new community through activities such as visits to college campuses, the aquarium, the zoo, and local theaters and museums. Other activities include occasional lessons in dance, cooking and photography. This month RAE participants are looking forward to take part in the Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF). SIFF has generously donated tickets to the group to see the inspirational film, Bilal's Stand.
Return to the IRC in Seattle