Financial Literacy for Female Refugees in Colorado

Thank you all for making contributions to this wonderful project. What a difference 2 months makes! Through our partnership with Project Worthmore we have been able to offer 4 financial literacy classes. Each of these has been embedded into an ongoing ESL class. This has been invaluable as it has allowed us to test out our curriculum and build relationships with students. As I reflect on the past two months, I am overwhelmed by the resiliency and fortitude of each of the students. In one of our beginner classes is a woman named Lem Lem from Eritrea. She escaped the oppressive authortiarian regime, but is the last remaining member of her family. She has witnessed atrocities many can never imagine, yet she comes to class excited to learn, greeting everyone with a warm smile. On the first day Lem Lem did not understand the difference between a nickel and quarter, now she can recognize all currency and discuss flexible and fixed expenses used in budgeting. She is an amazing woman! In another class Mis Ton Soe from Burma, forced to flee the persecution of the military junta, wows me every class. She is in an intermediate ESL class. In Burma she lived in a rural area. Her family farm was self sufficient and she never attended school. She is now budgeting to save for the purchase of a home. We talk aften of how she can reduce expenses. Her mathmatical abilities are stunning and she has an incredible entrepreneurial spirit. These are only two, but each student has a story of overcoming seemingly unsurmountable circumstances, whether living in a refugee camp or as an illegal alien in a foreign country, as they waited for resettlement. I feel very priviledged to work with these individuals and learn their stories as we work together to prepare for self-sufficiency and a fulfilling future in the United States.

On March 9th, we begin teaching 2 independent financial literacy classes. One is offered at the High Beginner- Low Intermediate ESL level and one is offered at the High Intermediate to Advanced ESL level. We will continue to offer financial literacy lessons embedded in a Beginner ESL course. As we continue to learn the best adaptation of the curriculum for beginner level ESL learners, this is the best option for clarity and understanding.

Here is a breakdown of how money has been spent to this point:

$500- media consultant. This has allowed us to develop our video modules for the financial literacy classes. They are looking great and we are improving our skills with each video.

$500- studio rentals. With the money we have access to unlimited studio sessions through May of 2018. This outstanding deal allows us access to top of the line studio equipment-lighting, audio, robotic cameras. Plus, the staff at Denver Open Media Foundation has been top notch and incredibly helpful!

$150 supplies. We have purchased notebooks, pencils, calculators for all particpants. We have also printed out several scenarios and handouts for use in class.

$50- projector. To save costs on printing and make lessons more visually engaging, we purchased an inexpensive projector. This has made a huge difference in comprehension of vocabulary. 

estimated $180 on childcare expenses for 9 week financial literacy course beginning March 9, 2018.

Thank you again for your support. We would not be meeting success without you! I am so hopeful for the future and look forward to updating you on all our continued progress.

Warmest Regards,

Linnie Pawlek

Links:

• organization website