IRC-USAMI Summer Outreach (2008)

The US-Africa Materials Institute partnered with the International Rescue Committee to conduct a science workshop during an annual summer program for refugee children resettled in New York. For six weeks in July and August, the students received supplemental instruction in math and science and engaged in hands on projects, such as water filtration and solar power technology, that could significantly benefit the developing world. Most students came from West Africa, Burma, Nepal, or Iraq. They had been in the US anywhere from a few weeks to a few years. I was personally involved in coordinating the project and leading the High School students in their solar oven project. I have the utmost respect for the IRC, these kids, and my fellow student volunteers, and cannot be thankful enough for all the support I received in this endeavor.