education:
PRE engages directly with refugees and supports their educational pursuits through comprehensive tutoring. Volunteer tutors, who have all completed cultural and educational training, offer their services either online or in person. PRE tutors work in person with Philadelphia-area refugees, partnering with local resettlement agencies to lead ESL courses and give homework help.
Our tutors provide educational assistance to people of all ages and educational levels. Some simply reinforce the material already being taught in school while others design customized curriculums based on their student’s specific needs. PRE volunteers tutor a vast array of subjects ranging from mathematics, to computer science, to language skills.
Our tutors provide educational assistance to people of all ages and educational levels. Some simply reinforce the material already being taught in school while others design customized curriculums based on their student’s specific needs. PRE volunteers tutor a vast array of subjects ranging from mathematics, to computer science, to language skills.
afaho:
The African Family Health Organization (AFAHO) in West Philadelphia is a non-profit that primarily serves African and Caribbean immigrants and refugees, promoting independence and self-sufficiency among members. PRE sends tutors weekly to help with AFAHO's After School program for high school students who need homework assistance and/or English practice. In the future, PRE hopes to expand its involvement at AFAHO with their weekly adult ESL lessons. Read more about AFAHO and their work here.
College Mentorship Program:
PRE’s College Mentorship Program focuses on offering support to immigrant and refugee students in the Philadelphia area through the college application process. Volunteer tutors from Penn are paired with high school students to meet on a regular basis. They navigate a detailed curriculum that guides students through the entire process, but mentors still tailor their meetings to the mentee’s needs first, ensuring they take away the most from the experience. Mentors are well-equipped to help in various aspects, from selecting colleges to brainstorming essay topic ideas, and are eager to support local students.
Marina Orth:
The Marina Orth Foundation is an organization working to connect Colombian students interested in improving their English language skill with tutors. PRE members who are part of this program are partnered with a Colombian student and curate individualized lesson plans to improve English literacy and comprehension.
AWAreness & fundraising
Beyond focusing on education, PRE plans various awareness events on campus, such as campaigns on Locust Walk or dinner discussions on current refugee issues. PRE aims to encourage dialogue among Penn students about refugees abroad and within the Philadelphia community alike. Additionally, PRE hosts fundraisers in response to changing needs in the local, national, and international communities. Recently, PRE has held fundraisers for the HIAS PA winter drive.