Michael, a 21-year-old refugee from Tanzania, immigrated to the U.S. with his family five years ago. While in high school, the IRC matched Michael with a mentor to help him stay on top of his homework and keep IRC staff informed if Michael needed extra support. When he graduated, Michael wanted to keep meeting with his mentor to figure out his next steps both academically and professionally.
But he had to return his school-issued laptop. His and his mentor’s conflicting schedules meant they couldn’t meet in-person. And now, they couldn’t meet virtually either. Michael received his own laptop from a partnership IRC has with KindWorks, a volunteer organization which refurbishes and donates used laptops to those in need.
Since he got his own device, Michael and his mentor have begun meeting again, working on his resume and preparing to get a job. In the past year, nine refugee students and twenty-one refugee adults served by the IRC received KindWorks laptops.
The IRC in Silver Spring thanks KindWorks for their support in keeping education accessible to immigrant students and bridging the digital divide in immigrant communities. To donate your laptop to KindWorks, visit their website.
This client’s personal information has been changed to protect their identity.