Manchester Women for Women Coalition Helps African Refugees

Geraldine Kirega was presented the Ujima Collective's Community Leadership Award at the Second Annual Community Leadership Dinner August 11, 2009 in Manchester, NH.

Geraldine Kirega came to the United States from Tanzania in 1993.  Geraldine understands the value of parent involvement in education; all of her 5 children are in college.   She is fluent in English, Swahili, and Kirundi/Kinyarwanda.  As an experienced classroom teacher, she has taught in Africa and the United States.   Geraldine holds two Master’s degrees one from the University of Dar es Salaam in Education and in Community Development from Southern New Hampshire University.

Geraldine realized that African children had a number of disadvantages upon entering the school system in the United States.  Some had never stepped into a classroom and others had rudimentary schooling.  She launched Women for Women Coalition, a linguistically and culturally appropriate afterschool tutoring program for African refugee children.  

With volunteers from the community and students from the Southern University of New Hampshire, St. Anslem College, the Sisters of Mercy and support from the Manchester School District, Geraldine runs a successful program that some children who have participated, have improved their reading scores by two grade levels.   Housed at Neighborworks space at 373 Union Street in Manchester, tutoring classes are held Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Students receive small group and individual tutoring, and homework help based on school assignments and curriculum. A snack is provided.

Aside from offering tutoring, Women for Women see the importance of children learning and maintaining their culture.  Drumming and story telling two traditions in African culture are taught to enrich a child’s life.  The program includes support for parents who may not be familiar with the American educational system or do not speak or read English.

Currently, Women for Women is working to launch a family literacy and child care program.

CONTACT:
Women For Women Coalition
510 Chestnut St. Suite # 2
Manchester, NH 03101

Email: wfwc2007@gmail.com
Phone: 205-282-7666