Catalina Melgoza
Northeast News

KC For Refugees is an interfaith organization that offers resources and programs for refugees in the Northeast area. The goal of the endeavor is to help refugees transition into their new lives in America. This summer, the organization offered youth tutoring for refugee kids between the ages of 6 and 18. The summer youth tutoring went on from June 7 to July 14 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. every Thursday and Saturday.

The organization started tutoring two years ago at a location on Independence Avenue, but eventually decided to branch off. From there, they decided to leave and start their own tutoring program: KC For Refugees.

The program helps refugee children learn English, math, reading and writing. The tutoring is offered by volunteers from around the area. In fact, the organization is completely comprised of volunteers. Many of these volunteers were refugees themselves, a reality that helps create a special bond with these children.

“I see myself in these kids because I was a refugee myself and now I am helping children just like me,” said volunteer Ali Hussain. Hussain is now working to become a doctor and currently studies at Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences.

“There is a lot of great potential in these kids, and working with them always reminds me of how intelligent they are, despite all the things they have been through in their home country,” said volunteer Ashok Sanadi.

The organization’s goal is to help give these children an opportunity to adapt to their new home here in the United States by giving them mentors within the community to lean on. When refugees and immigrants come to a new country to get away from violence in their home country, volunteers say, it is often hard to find a support structure to rely on. KC for Refugees started because of that very reason, and to help give young children a safe and welcoming environment.

For more information, or to become a volunteer, visit the website at kcforrefugees.weebly.com or email them at kc4refugees@gmail.com.