A good education is the foundation for success for any individual in America.
For those who are refugees escaping the consistent trauma of life in areas of conflict around the globe, the bright future that an education promises is particularly precious.
Several impactful programs are dedicated to serving African and Haitian immigrant and refugee communities, providing them with the tools and resources needed to thrive.
African Community Education (ACE)
We are African Community Education (ACE), a nonprofit organization based in Worcester, MA, dedicated to serving African and Haitian immigrant and refugee youth and families.
In Worcester, young members of the growing African immigrant community have found the potential for a productive life through African Community Education (ACE), a non-profit organization co-founded by UMass Chan Medical School student Olga Valdman.
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ACE was founded in 2006 by Kaska Yawo, a Liberian refugee and former educator, and Olga Valdman, a local physician, who saw firsthand the challenges newly arrived African students were facing in the Worcester Public Schools.
With Catholic Charities refugee resettlement case worker Kaska Yawe, a Liberian immigrant who is now an American citizen, Valdman has created an educational enrichment program rooted in the community to ensure its sustainability.
ACE is a by-product of Valdman’s first-year Community Health Clerkship, an integral, public-service oriented component of the UMass Chan undergraduate medical curriculum.
While the initial objective of her clerkship was to assist one or two African families with their health needs, Valdman’s focus soon shifted to educational needs.
She learned that many children who have lived through distress and displacement in impoverished and war-torn countries like Liberia, Sudan, Somalia and Burundi find themselves floundering academically once they arrive in Worcester because they are placed in grades according to their age, rather than their English-speaking abilities or previous schooling.
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“When they first arrive, these kids want to learn, but being so behind in school is very discouraging,” explained Valdman.
“Education is integrally linked to health status-without proper support, some students drop out of high school and some engage in risky behaviors-teen pregnancy, for example, is on the rise in this vulnerable population.”
What began as a small Saturday program with just 12 students has grown into a citywide, year-round organization serving hundreds of youth and families each year.
Run entirely by volunteers from the African community and local colleges and universities, including UMass Chan, ACE is centered on a Saturday program offering math and English classes and homework help, as well as theater and dance classes.
“The program has evolved from tutoring in single subjects to a comprehensive, integrated educational program,” Valdman said.
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The Saturday program has grown from its first class of 25 to currently serve 70 children, with a growing waiting list.
In the fall of 2008, the program celebrated it first participant to enter college.
More are expected to follow thanks to improved school performance and MCAS scores.
Many of ACE’s young beneficiaries aspire to be just like Valdman and her fellow UMass Chan Medical School volunteers.
“More than anything, I would like to be a medical doctor,” wrote 15-year-old program participant Gertura Gbarbo.
Thanks to the volunteers of ACE, her chances for making that dream come true are much better.
This information appears in the UMass Chan 2008 Annual Report.
Over the years, ACE has developed a wide range of culturally responsive programs including tutoring, mentoring, STEM and computer literacy workshops, college and career preparation, and ESL support for parents.
Our mission is to equip African and Haitian students and families with the academic support, life skills, and community connections they need to succeed.
We accomplish our mission through a range of year-round services, including after-school tutoring, programs focused on literacy, STEM, computer literacy, mentorship, college and career preparation, and workforce development initiatives.
Our vision is a Worcester where every African and Haitian child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Here's a summary of ACE's key programs:
| Program Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Tutoring | Provides academic support to students. |
| Mentoring | Offers guidance and support through mentorship programs. |
| STEM Workshops | Engages students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. |
| Computer Literacy Workshops | Develops essential computer skills. |
| College and Career Preparation | Prepares students for higher education and future careers. |
| ESL Support | Provides English as a Second Language support for parents. |
PASCEP: A Pioneer in Adult Education
PASCEP is dedicated to "KEEPING THE COMMUNITY INFORMED".
Technology is changing rapidly.
PASCEP is a noncredit adult education program founded in 1975 by Annie D. Hyman, a Temple University alumna.
The pioneering program has been a fixture in North Philadelphia for almost 50 years.
PASCEP has a decades-long history of providing education and cultural enrichment via an array of diverse offerings.
PASCEP's foundation is built on addressing diverse views pertaining culture, race, and ethnicities, particularly African American and minority groups of color.
Courses also address diversity in Philadelphia.
PASCEP offers a multitude of diverse courses, including: American Sign Language; Grant Writing; Estate Planning, and many other topics.
self-help is no better exemplified than in the PASCEP philosophy and practice.
PASCEP was founded in 1975 by the late Annie D.
Hyman later obtained the support of Dr. of Temple University.
University faculty volunteered their time to teach classes.
Weekly orientations, assessments and workshops for career development, training opportunities, and post-secondary education preparation.
Instructors donate their time and talents to give back to others what was given to them in knowledge, skill, and inspiration.
continued to volunteer time to teach courses for PASCEP: Dr. Rita Smith, Dr. Tran Van Dinh, Professor Sonia Sanchez, Professor Jacqueline Mungai, Dr.Wilbert Roget, Dr. C. Keto, Dr. Barbara Hampton, and Dr.
Community Workshops provide information, resources and education.
collaboration with PA CareerLink, Graduate Philadelphia, Goodwill Industries and more.
Lenfest North Philadelphia Workforce Initiative- My Place Campus adult literacy and education, City of Philadelphia Office Of Adult Education,
PASCEP offers courses and resources focused on:
- wellbeing.
- Prepare for reacclimating into the workforce.
- discover new occupations (Post Covid).
- competency.
- skills?
- community.
- schools, churches, and centers.
- inspiration, and example.
