N.C. volunteers welcome refugees

Political and religious oppression is sending scores of refugees to the Triangle area from Africa Iraq and Burma.

They are attracted to ample research and job opportunities. About 8500 are accepting assistance from local organizations as they acclimate to their new home.

For many refugees the biggest concern is learning the language.

Morgan Price project coordinator for the N.C. chapter of the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants" said that refugees come to the U.S. for a variety of reasons and most of the local refugees are coming from Burma.

""There is an oppressive government. Some people say things like they're having land taken away from them" or are being used as a porter" or there's no political freedom.""

Price's organization offers English tutoring as well as a mentoring program that matches volunteers with a family for at least six months to introduce the refugees to the area.

The mentors help families use the bus system and find community activities. Most importantly"" the mentors provide stable and friendly faces in an unknown land.

""All of our volunteers are awesome" Price said. With so many people" it is difficult to form those one-on-one relationships.""

Raley White" a UNC sophomore who volunteers with the chapter" said that he became involved when he met Price last year.

""I enjoy being an ambassador for learning about American culture" and I help them to feel more welcome in the country White said.

White said many families have trouble fitting into new communities because of language constraints and discrimination but that tutors can help families meet friendly people and hopefully make the transition easier.

Their reaction to me has been nothing but happiness in me being there he said. They are so grateful that when I insist that they don't give me some food they give me some food.

Even though they have so little" it is heartwarming they would give some.""

Mayra Hayes" the Guilford County School English as a Second Language director said that in the last five and a half years she has seen approximately 45 percent more refugees. The county has to accommodate more than 135 languages.

Lacey Hendrix volunteer church coordinator for World Relief North Carolina" said her organization is working with 71 refugees.

""For the next years we help where we can"" Hendrix said. There is a process of them learning American culture and speaking up for themselves.""