The
Senior immigrants and refugees who participate in the many programs offered
by CLESE member agencies come from over 30 countries. Those who have enrolled
in our Bright Ideas classes come from Bosnia, the Ukraine,
Iran, Iraq, the Philippines, and China. Many
are refugees from war torn countries. Others came to America seeking refuge
from religious oppression.
Each
must face many challenges, creating a new life for themselves in a new
country, coping with loss of family and home, dealing with the trauma
of war, and the problems we must all deal with: health, finances, security,
and meaning in life.
Many,
but not all, have family members in the United States. They tend to live
in neighborhoods with others from their home country. Now, in the Bright
Ideas classes, they are making friends with other students from all over
the world.
Not
the least of their problems is learning English.
