Starting Careers in a New Country
Many of you are well familiar with RIT’s Education program, such as tutoring, mentoring, after-school programs, or adult classes. You probably know that among the main goals our students are trying to reach is Employment in the U.S. We recognize the urgency for many students to find a job or a better job, not just to financially support themselves, but to send money home to loved ones (and help grow their careers and our Bay Area economy!) As such, RIT offers several Vocational English Classes that help newcomers learn English and be ready for employment. In addition, we partner with local job training agencies to better support our students.
Food Handler’s Certification program with Oakland Bloom:
Without newcomers, the Bay Area would not have such a vibrant and multicultural food scene. In partnership with Oakland Bloom, RIT students participated in the Food Handler’s Certification Program (FHCP). Completing this program helps newcomers get jobs in the food industry. Many of the program’s graduates have graced RIT’s community events with delicious food from their countries of origin, which has become a mini economic opportunity for students and a way to share culinary traditions from home. For example, one of our RIT colleagues (a former student and FHCP graduate) cooks delectable Eritrean treats that have been a mainstay of RIT’s annual community-centric fundraising events.
The current FHCP cohort are French and Creole speakers. Oftentimes, certification programs in the U.S. are not inclusive of languages reflective of newly arrived communities. We are so grateful to Oakland Bloom for helping interpret the entire certification program for our students!
Barista Training with 1951 Coffee Company
Our other long-time partner, 1951 Coffee Company is a barista training program for refugees and immigrants, as well as a coffee shop (be sure to visit next time you’re in Berkeley!) Among the latest barista training cohort, are RIT students Noor and Farida. They enjoyed their week-long training, and were especially proud of their completion certificates and their new-found ability to make latte foam art!
Job Fair
Seven RIT students went to a job fair for refugees and immigrants with an RIT Teacher and adult class volunteers. They were able to learn about various career pathways and interact with local employers.
Many of newcomers face the challenge of learning a new language, systems, employment pathways, and requirements. RIT is proud and honored to offer newcomers an opportunity to explore entry level career pathways as they transition to their new lives here in the Bay Area.
RIT Celebrated Eid:
In celebration of Eid, RIT’s Afghan Women Wellness team organized a big community event in San Leandro. We had henna, face painting, bracelet making, soccer, and of course delicious food. We were also able to give small Eidi gifts for 120 kids. The event brought together 250 Afghan newcomer community members of all ages, creating a safe and welcoming space for many newcomer Afghan women and children to be in their own community, celebrating their own culture, and speaking their own language. We are grateful to our partners BRFN and Alameda County Behavioral Health Care services.
Volunteer Space
We are grateful to our volunteers for their continued support for our newcomer communities. We simply couldn’t imagine our work without them! In partnership with 1951 Coffee Company, RIT hosted our spring volunteer meet-up at 1951 Coffee, with a warm cup of coffee and a welcome from RIT staff. The volunteers shared memorable experiences of accompaniment, solidarity, love and care! The purpose of the gathering was to offer a space of gratitude for RIT’s volunteers and share stories that uplift refugee and immigrant communities.
Upcoming:
RIT’s next volunteer and student gatherings will be held in June. If you are a current active volunteer and have not received communications from RIT, please reach out to volunteer@reftrans.org.
Thank you for your continued love and support for RIT and our newcomers community.
With gratitude,
RIT Team