RASP Program

One of IM's newest refugee service is RASP (Refugee After-School Program).  It equips refugee students with the tools they need to succeed by creating a challenging and positive environment that promotes self-empowerment, respect, academic accomplishment, and an enriched world view.

The students in RASP attend Las Americas Middle School.  The goal of RASP is to improve the lives refugee families by helping students feel more connected to their environment, leading to success in school and future careers.

I spoke with the RASP director Carey Reagan about how the program is making a difference.

1. Why is it important for these refugee students to have an after school program?

After-School programs are important especially for refugees because of their limited English proficiency and many times they also have gaps in their education. I am sure you can imagine that when a family with children must flee for their lives or relocate due to persecution (which is what constitutes a refugee) then education is no longer a top priority.

Additionally, many of the children that arrive here with their parents come from impoverished nations or conditions in camps where formal education was scant or non-existent. Then the child arrives in the U.S. where unfortunately children are placed in a grade based on their age.

This means that a 12 year old who may have never gone to school is now required to know how to read, write, and speak English at a 6th grade level as well as know science, math up to algebra, etc. You can see how this would create a difficult situation for a child who has already been through some very difficult events and is also learning how to live in a new country/culture.

After-school offers a chance for these refugees to receive additional help and input that will hopefully bring them closer to the mark that they should reach to achieve the next grade.

2. What is the most challenging thing you face with the  RASP students?

It is a particular challenge to keep students interested in a lesson when they are exhausted from an 8 hour school day. So, it is important to make the lessons fun, non-threatening and offer additional incentive that they may not get from a typical teacher/lesson.


3. What kind of activities have you done with the students?

I have taught them lessons in social studies (US symbols), life science (taxonomy and animal characteristics) and English. We play games like Pictionary and charades. Coming up soon, I am taking them to the zoo.
4. Where do you see RASP in 5 years?

I hope that RASP continues to grow and improve to better reach its goal of helping newly arrived refugee students to succeed in school.

If you are interested in more information or volunteering with RASP, please contact Carey Reagan.