Working with a Refugee Outreach Organization in Rochester , New York

ECU Author/Contributor (non-ECU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)

Katherine Drake (Creator)

Institution

East Carolina University (ECU )

Web Site: http://www.ecu.edu/lib/

Abstract: To fulfill my master's degree requirements , I participated in an internship with Mary's Place Outreach , a non-governmental organization (NGO) located in Rochester , New York during the summer of 2013. I worked under the supervision of Cara Breslin , the program coordinator for Mary's Place , performing several tasks meant to prepare me for future work in the NGO sector. I completed 140 hours of service beginning June 3 , 2013 and ending by August 2 , 2013. My main tasks included assisting the program coordinator with identifying New York State ESL Program Certification requirements , teaching an adult ESL class , and employing anthropological research and certification requirements to enhance their existing curriculum if possible. I also tutored school aged-children , engaged with refugees of all ages , and assisted with clerical work as needed. Through these rolls I was able to examine the efficiency of the ESL program , identify many of the challenges confronting volunteers and the administration , and make several recommendations for the enhancement of their ESL program in the future. I began my internship with several objectives that will help prepare me for future work in NGO's and refugee agencies. First , I wanted to learn how programs are planned , organized , and implemented to target the specific needs of refugee populations located in the Rochester area focusing on English as a Second Language. Second , I would learn how the English as a Second Language (ESL) program currently meets the needs of refugees and what structural or academic changes could be made to enhance the ESL program. Third , I wanted to better understand what challenges teachers must overcome when planning curriculum and teaching ESL classes. Fourth , I wanted to better understand the impact ESL programs have on the lives of refugees. Finally , I wanted to explore how the discipline of anthropology can contribute to the non-governmental organization sector specifically refugee agencies and prepare myself for future work with NGO's.

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Language: English

Date: 2011

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