Pictured above: Hamdi Ulukaya, foundever of the Tent Partnership for Refugees; Michelle Parks, CEO – U.S. Market, Foundever; Ana Moran, VP Talent Acquisition – U.S. Market, Foundever
By Ana Moran, VP, Talent Acquisition for the U.S. Market, Foundever
Program Manager for Foundever.org
On August 21, 2024, I had the opportunity to travel to New York City to join our partner, an NYC-based nonprofit dedicated to helping refugees and migrants with crucial education and legal services, Project Rousseau, in celebrating the submission of their refugee’s asylum applications. The event took place on Ellis Island, close to the site of the Statue of Liberty, the beacon of hope that has inspired generations of people who came to America seeking a better life, freedom and opportunity.
Walking into the museum, is a moment in and of itself. The museum houses so much history, and to climb the staircase that I know has meant so much to so many was humbling. Even more humbling, was that as I was about to witness over 75 families of refugees commemorating their personal milestone of having their asylum paperwork successfully submitted.
Why is Ellis Island so important, especially for refugees?
In the 1800s, millions fled from Europe in the wake of rising political instability and religious persecution. It was the largest mass migration in human history and New York City’s Castle Garden immigration processing center was unprepared for and overwhelmed by the influx of migrants. Thus, in 1892, the U.S. government opened a new facility on Ellis Island and received over 12 million immigrants in the following six decades.
Knowing the history of Ellis Island and witnessing these individuals receive their application submission certificates was such a poignant moment for me, but I wasn’t prepared for what happened next…
We live in such a complex world and while we are all connected through common experiences, such as motherhood, we are also unaware of the situations other regions are facing if they aren’t featured in the headlines.
As a mother of three, I decided to have lunch with a group of mothers. As they began telling their stories, I learned they were forced to leave some of their children behind to protect others, particularly their daughters who were in danger back in their home country of Senegal. Faced with an impossible decision, these mothers made an incredible sacrifice, one that no parent should ever have to make. But thanks to programs like Project Rousseau, they now have the support to reclaim control of their lives and chart a path to stability and happiness for them and their families.
Listening to their stories of bravery, commitment and resilience was an honor. To so freely share the situation but remain optimistic and hopeful was inspiring and while they mourn what they leave behind they know that through commitment of learning the language and working hard their daughters can have a brighter future.
This is what our program with Project Rousseau is all about; utilizing education as the great equalizer. We believe the power of education can level the playing field, no matter who you are, where you come from, or what your circumstances are.
In July 2024, we welcomed 143 refugees and migrants from several countries.
During this summer session, participants were instructed in English and general education courses. For context, in the United States you must pass the GED if you don’t complete high school for many job opportunities.
Out of the 143 participants:
- 30% graduated with English proficiency
- 75 individuals, over half, successfully graduated from both the English and GED courses
Our fall session is in progress and we enrolled another +70 refugees and migrants while continuing to support learners from the summer session.
Though there are thousands of refugees and migrants in need of help in NYC – a number that is growing by the day – Foundever.org is proud of the impact we’ve made thus far. While scale is important to us, we understand that scale doesn’t just account for the participants of our program. It’s a butterfly effect that touches 75 families – such as the mothers I met. Armed with knowledge and confidence, they’re now able to blaze a path of success for themselves and their loved ones.
I am honored and proud to be a part of this #CXforGood movement and a small part of these individuals’ stories.
Learn more about our programs here.