Hello and Happy Friday from Literacy Connexus blog people! We hope that this blog finds you happy, healthy, and empowered to teach!

“We’re asking for a hand up, not a handout.” 

This is Joseph’s philosophy at Refugee Empowerment Network, the organization he founded to come alongside refugees resettling in the U.S. 

Joseph’s refugee story is similar to the stories of those he serves, but one thing set him down a different path: Joseph was able to obtain formal education. 

After graduating with his Masters degree, Joseph felt God calling him to support fellow refugees within his Texas community. Joseph understands the unique challenges these refugees face because of his own experiences struggling to learn English and find employment offering livable wages. 

But because of his own story, Joseph also knows that God gave each of these beloved refugees gifts, talents, and dreams. 

Thus, the Refugee Empowerment Network was born. In addition to providing basic relief for refugees struggling to get by, this organization focuses on long-term solutions to the problems refugees face through education, training, and employment opportunities.

Now, with the support of a loving community, these refugees feel empowered to live a self-sustaining, meaningful life in the U.S.

Joseph’s story is a wonderful reminder about how empowering learning the English language can be for our students. Access to the English language gives our students access to the world around them from simple things like going grocery shopping, taking public transportation, and ordering food at a restaurant to larger things such as access to employment, education, and healthcare.

What do you think? How do you empower your students in your classroom? Let us know at info2literacyconnexus.org.