Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the IRC in Atlanta’s lobby, hallways and Adult Education classrooms were filled with individuals and families from around the world every day. In 2019, our dedicated new American students completed over 40,000 hours of English, Job Skills, Civics and Citizenship Preparation class time! Since we began serving clients remotely in mid-March, our Adult Education instructors have prioritized maintaining contact and communication with students. They are focused first on the well-being of their families and second, on supporting the continuation of education through distance learning platforms.
Virtual Adult Education at the IRC in Atlanta
Two months of remote learning
- Connected with 50 students around Census and Health & Hygiene information
- Worked with 30 students via Zoom and self-paced independent learning
- Students completed 60 hours of class time via Zoom
- Students completed 400 hours of self-paced independent learning, where instructors monitor progress and gains
- Starting end of May, the IRC in Atlanta is now holding 4 Zoom classes per week, covering a range of English language proficiencies
“I try to be happy every day. Everyone can find that happiness in their heart, in their mind, and in their hands. I hold it in my hands. I plant that seed in others.” — Oscar, IRC student
Oscar (center row, right) and his sister Amalia (bottom row, right) came to Atlanta through the refugee resettlement program in December 2019, after being forced to flee their home in Guatemala.
IRC Adult Education student, Oscar, recently reminded his teachers that often it’s the students who are doing the teaching! Our Zoom class was asked to share what they are doing to stay mentally healthy while they are isolated and staying at home to protect themselves and others from COVID-19. Oscar shared, “I pray that God will provide. He knows what I need better than I do. And I have faith that He will provide. I try to be happy every day. Everyone can find that happiness in their heart, in their mind, and in their hands. I hold it in my hands. I plant that seed in others. Every day, I try my best to be good. My family is always in my heart. I have my mother’s eyes. I see her in the mirror. She was a strong woman. When I look in the mirror, I know she is with me.”
Oscar first came to Atlanta through the U.S. Refugee Resettlement Program in December 2019, along with his sister, their partners, and other family members, after they were forced to flee their home in Guatemala. Since arriving in America, Oscar and his sister, Amalia, have been attending English classes at the IRC every week. An important part of our virtual Adult Education community, it’s easy for instructors, volunteers and other classmates to see the siblings’ special bond. Amalia shared, “My brother Oscar knows when I am sad. He sees me and knows when I don’t want to talk. He knows sometimes I just need a hug. My best friend says Oscar and I are twin souls.”
“My sister is a strong woman,” shared Oscar. “She is always behind me all my life. She helps me be strong.”
IRC English and Job Skills Instructor, Wende Crow, has been leading some of our virtual classes. “Our volunteers have reported that students are sharing more personal stories—like Oscar and Amalia—in their breakout rooms during Zoom classes," said Wende. "I found out later that another student responded to the same question by telling the teachers she wakes up every day and thinks of all the things she has that she is grateful for. Our clients are so strong and coping incredibly well. We’re all grateful to be a part of this community.”
Your donation to the IRC’s COVID-19 Resiliency Fund ensures refugees, immigrants and the wider community continue to have access to essential programs and services, including our Adult Education programs. Learn more and donate to the IRC’s Resiliency Fund here.
To learn more about the work of the IRC in Atlanta and for information on how you can get involved with the IRC as a donor or volunteer, please contact Development Manager, Kalie Lasiter, at Kalie.Lasiter [at] Rescue.org or 678-636-8941.
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