Refugee children like Alebraheem face daunting challenges when they enter the American school system. “The language barrier and low levels of parental involvement often lead to high truancy rates for refugee children,” said Jessica Cotton, Lutheran Social Services’ senior school impact specialist. In response, Lutheran Social Services’ Refugee Services in Southfield developed the Refugee School Impact Program.

Funded by a grant from the Michigan Department of Human Services, the Refugee School Impact Program began in December with orientation sessions for students and parents. Student sessions cover topics such as cultural diversity and expectations, school rules and requirements, building friendships and expressing feelings.

“I help them get comfortable with English by writing about their favorite birthdays and memories,” said Rasha Atisha, Lutheran Social Services school specialist, who led a recent session for Alebraheem and several younger children at ACCESS (Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services) in Dearborn.

Hmong and Iraqi parents gather at Emerson Elementary School in Pontiac to learn about credit and money management.

Parent sessions focus on understanding the American culture and school system and how to communicate with students and teachers. At a January session held at Emerson Elementary School in Pontiac, seven parents of Hmong and Iraqi origin learned how to build a good credit history, something they never had to think about in their home countries.

“We knew nothing about the school system,” said Sahair Stephan, who arrived from Iraq with his wife three months ago. “They [Refugee School Impact Program staff] helped us a lot with translation and transportation.”

Sessions for area teachers will acquaint them with the program and offer tips on understanding the refugee students’ culture and improving communication.

The new program has already produced some positive results. A 14-year-old Bosnian girl’s school work was suffering after the recent death of her father. In fact, she is repeating the sixth grade this year. After she was referred to the program by a Lutheran Social Services caseworker, staff began working with her vice principal and school social worker on ways to help her. One-on-one visits with the girl helped draw her out of her shell. Now she is attending group sessions and helping the younger children feel comfortable. “She’s starting to trust people again,” said Cotton.