Service

I was asked by my supervisor Stephen Ruffus to write a short reflection of my work with International Refugees and I have included it in this section. The reflection was used to give insight into current refugee best practices being used in the Salt Lake valley. (See Refugee Reflection)

I encourage and support five Swahili speaking families as they learn to navigate the systems in the United States and in their new Utah home. Responsibilities include: self sufficiency, job skills, tutoring, school assistance, Section 8 housing, etc.
In the fall of 2014 I was a legal guardian to a young eleven year old girl. Her mother returned to South Sudan because she was notified by the US Embassy that her husband was killed in the new country. The young girl lived with us for five weeks. It was a wonderful experience for all, but she missed her mom’s cooking!
I teach family relations to those who are learning new social skills for successful living in the United States. Basic courtesy is introduced, for example, “It is important to say kind things and compliment your spouse often.” A very serious question/comment from a student in the class: “Won’t she get tired of hearing nice things?” Another example, “You mean I need to work every day?” “I am calling the Governor and tell him I want to go home”.
I am a missionary in the Inner City Project for the LDS Church. In this capacity I teach various classes to members from war torn countries and refugee camps of central Africa.
Member of the Asian Society

Recent Volunteer Service Archive

LDS Mission 2007-2009

Trained five hundred teachers of basic English literacy in South Africa, Botswana, Kingdom of Swaziland, Uganda
Supervised 30 teachers in north west South Africa and Botswana
Created a Writers Club after school program for high school students Munsieville Township, South Africa (This program was very successful! The local high school teachers asked if they could attend on a regular basis)
Wrote teachers guide for LDS basic literacy text
Taught instructors how to use active learning

Community Volunteer in Salt Lake City

2013 Swahili refugee assistance- housing, job skills etc.
2013 Mentor for Swahili refugees working at LDS Humanitarian Center
2013 Advocate for Swahili refugees in adult court, juvenile court, detention center, schools, ,and with police
2013 Church Service Missionary-Inner City Project
2014 I am a volunteer with the Asian Association, which provides help to refugees in rent payment, housing etc.
2014 I am an advocate for individual/family refugees in schools, detention centers, and courts.
2014 I serve in the LDS Inner City Project working with refugees from Africa.