ARTreach Program aids in the acculturation process and helps refugees learn to speak English
      
This summer ARTreach is bringing visual and theater art classes to the Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement Program to help children arriving from Burma learn to speak English.  The summer project is made possible thanks to Houston Endowment Inc, Berryhill of Cinco Ranch, and an ARTreach intern grant from Shell Oil.

Refugee children often arrive in the United States unable to speak English, and unfamiliar with the American culture. They suffer from the stress associated with family instability and face enormous challenges throughout their acculturation process. This Refugee Resettlement Program is directed by Kai Houston of Catholic Charities to give the extra attention and practice children learning to speak, read, and write require. The program also gives the children the structure they need and an opportunity to practice the social skills necessary to manage in a learning environment. 

ARTreach is supporting the art educational aspects of this unique program to aid in the acculturation process.  “Art and Drama is providing a key component in bridging the diverse communication gaps between the refugee children.” says Kai, “These children are between the ages of 6-14 years old, they have lived in refugee camps most of their lives, now they are in the United States, and art becomes their universal  language.”

The objectives associated with the ARTreach program are aimed at aiding in relationship building and social skills development, to stimulate the creative thinking process, and to support the children in adapting quickly and more completely to their new American home environment.  The summer theater arts program was directed by ARTreach intern Taylor Dolan, she brought in a team of volunteers to support the project and help teach the children to speak English with confidence. “I am the King” is one of the lines rehearsed and recited by Thant, an eleven year and participant in the play.  Dolan wrote the script “The Rabbit and the King” based on a Burmese Folk Tale that related concepts the children learned in their home country to their new life in America. In July, artist and volunteer David Jaros will be joining the team to help the children paint an expressive work of art on canvas that relates to their transition.

ARTreach has a goal to continue the art and theater program for the children enrolled in the refugee resettlement program for the school year.

This is a support project funded through ARTreach, because art and theater teachers plus materials is an expense not easily budgeted for in addition to the overwhelming needs associated already with this welfare and tutorial program. “But we know art is a necessary key to education,” explains Terri Bieber, Executive Director of ARTreach, “ARTreach works to provide the teaching artists and volunteers necessary to deliver quality art and theater art programs that will help these children overcome their difficult transition”. 
ARTreach is seeking $500-$1,000 in annual sponsorships to assure this program has professional artists, theater coaches and art volunteers attending weekly. Donations are needed for art materials and supplies for 45 children per day. Contact ARTreach for more information about sponsoring this special program at info@artreachonline.org. To learn more about the impact the arts have on children at risk, visit www.artreachonline.org.

Thank you to the sponsors that made this summer ARTreach Program serving children at risk possible - Catholic Charities providing help, creating hope, The Houston Endowment, Shell Oil Company, and Berryhill Baja Grill of Cinco Ranch.