Visit to the University of Louisville

The Refugee Elder Program recently visited the University of Louisville for a field trip. While at the University, students saw a presentation at the Rauch Planetarium located on campus. The planetarium presentation allowed students to learn more about the Universe, other planets, and what constellations are located in the sky over Louisville. 

Kamalapati, Hari, Laxmi, and Bal sitting the auditorium of the planetarium
before the start of the presentation.

Tara, Raghu, and Francisco posing in the lobby of the planetarium. 

After the presentation  students were able to ask questions. Students really loved this portion of the visit!

Students asked lots of questions after the presentation. Here the presenter is
answering a question about the Earth's orbit around the Sun. 

Following the planetarium presentation, students got to experience a little bit of "college life" and ate lunch in the University of Louisville Student Activities Center. Some students even brought food to share with everyone. 

Eating among a few University of Louisville students during lunch.

Finally, the day ended with a tour of the McConnell Chao Archives located in the University's library. In the Archive, students were able to learn a little more about Senator McConnell and his wife Elaine Chao.  

Ler poses in front of the entrance of the McConnell Chao archives. His Kentucky pin on the
 front of his shirt was especially appropriate! 

Hong, David, and Ahmed exploring the archives. 

The field trip was success!

Thanks for reading! Keep checking the blog to stay updated on what's happening in the program!

Spring Flowers

Spring is just around the corner and in preparation for the upcoming season everyone at the program decided to plant some spring flowers! Earlier this year all the students painted flower pots in art class and now students were able to use these pots to plant flower seeds that will bloom later this season. Check out the picture below to see some of the students with their pots.

Everyone was very excited to plant the seeds in their flower pots. After planting students were able to take their flower pots home.

Musa with his painted pot.

Bhadri, Hari Maya, and Mon Maya showing off the beautiful designs on their flower pots.

Bal and Nara with their painted flower pots after planting African Daisy seeds.

`

Happy Spring from everyone at the program!

Thanks for reading!

Mentor Training on Sunday!

Don't forget about our mentor training this Sunday, March 15th, 3pm-5pm! The training will be held in the Kentucky Refugee Ministries building (969-B Cherokee Road) and is open to all Elder Program volunteers and mentors.

Lisa Hoffman from IUS will be speaking on effective ways of working with elders trying to learn a new language. Please being any questions you might have for Lisa to answer, or if you know of any specific questions prior to the training email awebb@kyrm.org and Abby can forward them to Lisa prior to her presentation.

Please RSVP by email to awebb@kyrm.org if you plan on attending. We would love to have you!

Mentor Training!

Don't forget about our mentor training on March, 15th 3pm-5pm! The training will be held in the Kentucky Refugee Ministries building (969-B Cherokee Road) and is open to all Elder Program volunteers and mentors.

Lisa Hoffman from IUS will be speaking on effective ways of working with elders trying to learn a new language. Please being any questions you might have for Lisa to answer, or if you know of any specific questions prior to the training email awebb@kyrm.org and Abby can forward them to Lisa prior to her presentation.

Please RSVP by email to awebb@kyrm.org if you plan on attending. We would love to have you!

Refugee Advocacy Day

David standing at the Capital.

 

 Refugee Advocacy Day was on Wednesday, February 25th, and many clients from the   Elder Program travelled to Kentucky's capital in Frankfort to speak with their Kentucky legislators. The day was busy but all of the elders who attended seemed to genuinely enjoy their experience at the capital.

 

Raghu, Kamalapati, and Dharmananda preparing to meet their legislators later in the day.

Miralia, Francisco, and David resting after a long and exciting day at the capital.


In addition to meeting state legislators, clients were also able to meet Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer and Lieutenant Governor Crit Luallen.

 

 

Clients with Louisville myor Greg Fischer.



 Kamalapati shaking hands with Lt. Governor Crit Luallen. After introducing himself,

Kamalapati gave the Lt. Governor a Bhutanese flag as a way to represent his home country.

 

Refugee Advocacy Day was a wonderful experience that gave Elder Program clients the opportunity to actively participate in Kentucky state government. For more pictures from the day please check out the Facebook page, there has been an entire album of photos added from various parts of the day.

 

 

Thank you for reading!