Global Challenge is our year-long program for high school seniors, designed to build upon the experiences students had in IGNITE as they explore leadership in a global context. Each month, 50+ students gather to discuss an issue with far reaching international implications and provide service around that issue. In September, our focus was Refugees, and we had the pleasure of hearing from Paul Stein, Director of Colorado's Refugee Services Program. Specifically, Paul addressed the United Nations' policy on refugee treatment, how asylees attain refugee status, and what the US does to help refugees when they immigrate to the States.
Since then, Global Challenge students have been out in full force, volunteering with two local organizations that serve refugees living in Colorado: Lutheran Family Services and Mercy Housing's Grace Apartments.
At LFS, students organized household items that will be put to good use by newly resettled refugees when they arrive in Denver, and heard from Anders Snyder about their efforts to help refugees with the very difficult task of integrating themselves in American society and culture.
At Grace Apartments, students had the opportunity to work directly with some of the 260 refugees who live there, specifically children. This service project was the beginning of what we hope will be a long-lasting, mutually beneficial partnership, as GC students are planning to visit once again on November 15th to work on a mural with the residents.
Here are some pictures of their time at Grace Apartments:
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