his summer, ARTreach is bringing visual and theater art classes to the Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement Program to help children from Burma learn to speak English.

Refugee children often arrive in the United States unable to speak English, and unfamiliar with the American culture. They suffer from the stress associated with family instability and face enormous challenges throughout the acculturation process. This Refugee Resettlement Program is directed by Kai Houston of Catholic Charities to give the extra attention and practice to children who are learning to speak, read and write English. The program also gives children the structure they need and an opportunity to practice the social skills necessary to manage in a learning environment.  

ARTreach is supporting the art educational aspects of this unique program to aid in the acculturation process. “Art and drama are providing key components in bridging the diverse communication gaps between the refugee children, ” says Houston. “These children are between the ages of 6-14, have lived in refugee camps most of their lives and now they are in the United States, and art becomes their universal language. ”

The objectives associated with the ARTreach program are aimed at aiding  relationship building and social skills development, to stimulate the creative thinking process and to support the
children in adapting quickly and more completely to their new

The summer theater arts program was directed by ARTreach intern Taylor Dolan, who brought in a team of volunteers to support the project and help teach the children to speak English with confidence. “I am the King” is one of the lines rehearsed and recited by Thant, an 11-year-old participant in the play. Dolan wrote the script, The Rabbit and the King, based on a Burmese folk tale that related concepts the children learned in their home country to their new life in America. In July, artist and volunteer David Jaros joined the team to help the children paint an expressive work of art on canvas that relates to their transition.

ARTreach’s goal is to continue the art and theater program during the school year for the children enrolled in the refugee resettlement program.

ARTreach is seeking $500-$1,000 in annual sponsorships to assure this program has professional artists, theater coaches and art volunteers attending weekly. Donations are needed for art materials and supplies for 45 children per day. Contact ARTreach for more information about sponsoring this special program at info@artreachonline.org. To learn more about the impact the arts have on children at risk, visit www.artreachonline.org.

 The summer project is made possible thanks to Houston Endowment Inc., Berryhill of Cinco Ranch and an ARTreach intern grant from Shell Oil.