Lansing, MI — A local organization in Lansing that supports migrants and refugees with education programs has received a generous donation of more than $19,000 from the charitable group 100 Women Who Care. The Global Institute of Lansing, which focuses on helping Mid-Michigan’s newest residents, plans to use the funding to expand its efforts to help individuals from diverse backgrounds find their footing in the United States.
Many of the people served by the Global Institute come from war-torn countries or impoverished regions and are seeking a better life. For some, the dream of a better future includes completing their education, which was interrupted by the challenges they faced in their home countries. The institute aims to change that by providing high school completion programs and offering essential language training.
“Our students are in a high school completion program where they’re taking actual high school classes online,” said Teya Dodge, a representative of the Global Institute. The program gives participants the opportunity to earn diplomas that open doors to further education, vocational training, or career advancement.
Along with academic subjects like math, English, and science, the institute places a strong emphasis on teaching students about citizenship and ethics. “There was one time where a male student from Afghanistan was having a conversation with a female student from Honduras, and their views on women were quite different,” Dodge explained. Such moments provide students with valuable lessons in cultural differences and respectful discourse.
The Global Institute also offers real-world learning experiences, such as opportunities for students to visit local government meetings and congressional sessions. These field trips introduce students to the American democratic process and the various ways in which citizens can express their opinions and resolve conflicts—an entirely new concept for many who come from countries with different political systems.
“We think it’s crucial for students to understand that in America, people express their voices in very different ways than what they might have known in their home countries,” Dodge added.
The success of the program is evident in the outcomes. Nearly all of the students who complete the high school program go on to pursue higher education or enter job training programs. The education provided by the Global Institute helps to pave the way for migrants and refugees to achieve their personal and professional goals and integrate into American society.
With the recent funding boost, the Global Institute plans to continue providing these essential services to migrants and refugees in Lansing, furthering their mission of offering a path to success and opportunity in the United States.
