SMU Students Help Refugees Learn English on Laptops

The refugees come from Congo, Burma, Iran, and other countries, and many can't speak English.

refugees

Donated laptop computers are helping refugees learn English in Dallas.

Southern Methodist University students volunteer their time to help refugees from Congo, Burma, Iran, and other countries become a part of the community, KERA reported. 

“There’s always a need to learn English and to learn how to use a computer because people are trying to apply for jobs,” SMU senior Anna Landreneau told KERA. “People are trying to integrate into the community. ESL is always a need.”

“People are trying to integrate into the community. ESL is always a need.”
Anna Landreneau

Many of the refugees come to Dallas through the International Rescue Committee knowing little to no English.

They meet in a classroom, but they can also take the laptops home with them.  

Learning the language helps them connect with other people, which is especially important with today’s political climate toward refugees.

KERA said that more than 7,800 refugees came to Texas in 2016.


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