Introduction
StartRaising African Lives was founded by Victor Seraya, the idea came into existence due to the problems the Congolese community has been facing. In brief, the Congolese community has a huge percentage of refugees and immigrants coming from Tanzania refugee camps. In like manner, once they arrive they have to go through a process of adjustment, and during this process depending on individuals along with families some listen and behave well and some begin to engage in activities that could harm their families also those surrounding them. Therefore, the founder after a long period of assessment and observation within the community, I figured it best to create a non-profit organization in relation to the problems the community is facing. The idea is to offer support and guidance to the young generation and their families. Moreover, this is done through creating space for young people to come and speak to someone, the organization creates classes for new English speakers just to give them extra support. Also, there is a soccer group in which many of these young are participants and members. Doing this is a great opportunity for these young people to engage in activities that are positive and keeps them away from trouble. All in all, the goal is basically to create something which many of these young people could relate to along with their families.
StartRaising African Lives was founded by Victor Seraya, the idea came into existence due to the problems the Congolese community has been facing. In brief, the Congolese community has a huge percentage of refugees and immigrants coming from Tanzania refugee camps. In like manner, once they arrive they have to go through a process of adjustment, and during this process depending on individuals along with families some listen and behave well and some begin to engage in activities that could harm their families also those surrounding them. Therefore, the founder after a long period of assessment and observation within the community, I figured it best to create a non-profit organization in relation to the problems the community is facing. The idea is to offer support and guidance to the young generation and their families. Moreover, this is done through creating space for young people to come and speak to someone, the organization creates classes for new English speakers just to give them extra support. Also, there is a soccer group in which many of these young are participants and members. Doing this is a great opportunity for these young people to engage in activities that are positive and keeps them away from trouble. All in all, the goal is basically to create something which many of these young people could relate to along with their families.
START-RAISING Young african lives
Mission:
We stand with the young people and their family, during the process of adapting as they adjust into the US. By, offering support through connecting them to resources, having one on ones to better understand their needs, offering classes as an opportunity to become positive and engaging citizens, last create outdoor culture activities as a reminder and a way to ensure they belong regardless of the environment.
We stand with the young people and their family, during the process of adapting as they adjust into the US. By, offering support through connecting them to resources, having one on ones to better understand their needs, offering classes as an opportunity to become positive and engaging citizens, last create outdoor culture activities as a reminder and a way to ensure they belong regardless of the environment.
My responsibilities:
In this organization I hold two important roles, I am the Administrator and Youth Advocate. In this role, I do a lot such as, enter new members into the data system, schedule families for appointments, connect families to all the available resources, and support young people with scholarship applications, GED enrollment, apply to colleges and universities, and host family events for the community. Also, I run a girl's group where we have discussions has two how they could succeed in school, push them toward their passion and talents, and most importantly space to have someone they could talk to and feel connected.
In this organization I hold two important roles, I am the Administrator and Youth Advocate. In this role, I do a lot such as, enter new members into the data system, schedule families for appointments, connect families to all the available resources, and support young people with scholarship applications, GED enrollment, apply to colleges and universities, and host family events for the community. Also, I run a girl's group where we have discussions has two how they could succeed in school, push them toward their passion and talents, and most importantly space to have someone they could talk to and feel connected.
The Impact on Community:
I am overwhelmed by the outcome, the work that has been done is mind-blowing. I feel that I am a part of something great, and I am positively impacting the world around me. Also, I am giving back to the people who need my support and help. By all means, that’s the most important to me, I have always wanted to help and be a bridge for those who need help. Additionally, I see that every day as I work and continue to give support to these young people and their families. By doing so, we impact the rate of gangs, less trouble in society and we all come home feeling happy as we see our loved ones. Above all, I am so happy and proud to be a part of this organization because I am being given a space to support people and that means the most to me.
In addition, this organization has a huge impact on the Congolese community. Whereby, man families have come to give their feedback as to how this organization has brought their family together, and some even say they see a change in behavior as they educate their children. Now, these are just testimonies and because of such feedback, it keeps the organization and team going. Secondly, the community is being impacted by the low rate of youth gang involvement and less rate of high school or college dropouts. More people have stable jobs, some start their businesses, and families can pay bills, read mail and have basic computer skills. This way it enables them to apply for jobs, enter low-income application housing, have insurance, and build cover letters along with resumes. I mean, the impact is endless and I believe we will do more and many things will continue to change positively.
I am overwhelmed by the outcome, the work that has been done is mind-blowing. I feel that I am a part of something great, and I am positively impacting the world around me. Also, I am giving back to the people who need my support and help. By all means, that’s the most important to me, I have always wanted to help and be a bridge for those who need help. Additionally, I see that every day as I work and continue to give support to these young people and their families. By doing so, we impact the rate of gangs, less trouble in society and we all come home feeling happy as we see our loved ones. Above all, I am so happy and proud to be a part of this organization because I am being given a space to support people and that means the most to me.
In addition, this organization has a huge impact on the Congolese community. Whereby, man families have come to give their feedback as to how this organization has brought their family together, and some even say they see a change in behavior as they educate their children. Now, these are just testimonies and because of such feedback, it keeps the organization and team going. Secondly, the community is being impacted by the low rate of youth gang involvement and less rate of high school or college dropouts. More people have stable jobs, some start their businesses, and families can pay bills, read mail and have basic computer skills. This way it enables them to apply for jobs, enter low-income application housing, have insurance, and build cover letters along with resumes. I mean, the impact is endless and I believe we will do more and many things will continue to change positively.