Going back to school is no tiny feat when you are in a new country.
“Kayla” had been in the United States for less than six months when she joined our Springfield Safe Youth Project, a program of Second Story in the Community. When she first arrived, her mother told our staff that 12-year-old Kayla was having difficulty making friends and adjusting to the US school system. Our counselors also noticed that Kayla was struggling in school, particularly with math and English.
At the Springfield Safe Youth Project, Kayla worked closely with bilingual volunteer tutors. She put a great deal of effort into her homework and projects. She made new friends during the many group workshops, activities, and field trips at the Springfield Safe Youth Project. She gained confidence and opened up.
Within the first few months, Kayla’s school work showed a lot of improvement. She even brought in a math test to show staff her first “A.”
Kayla came into the Safe Youth Project as a shy and confused young girl experiencing culture shock and struggling to keep up in school. In less than six months, Kayla transformed into a sociable, enthusiastic student.
