New American Africans Youth Program

Research on resiliency in kids all point to the same thing: one or more adults who are constant, consistent and concerned can make a world of difference to a child.  Jacques is a middle school student, resettled to Concord, NH, from the Democratic Republic of Congo.  He arrived with his two siblings and his mom, and then he found himself facing a myriad of challenges.

Learning a new language and determining how to make good choices in a very new cultural milieu is challenging.  Jacques connected early on with Ayi, our Youth Coordinator.  Jacques is a very sweet, soft spoken boy who wants to do well – socially, academically and athletically.   With no positive male role model in his life, Ayi knew he could make a difference if he stepped in and invested time in Jacques.  They strengthened their connection this past summer when Jacques was a regular at our literacy program.  He was one of the kids we could count on for quickly settling into his work, and then going on to beat just about everyone playing Connect 4.

Jacques and Ayi spend time together at school because he takes advantage of our after-school program in the middle school.  Because we partner with the district, we can provide homework help and conversational English support in the school, knowing that the program provides transportation home.  Generally, three days a week, Jacques sits down with one of our volunteers and gets his homework done. 

One passion that Jacques and Ayi share is soccer.  Ayi is so proud of Jacques for taking some of the skills that makes him good at soccer – concentration, an ability to be coached and a willingness to work hard – and applying them to the Rundlett Wrestling team.  At the end of the season, Jacques won an award from the coach for his outstanding contributions to the team.  Now that the wrestling season is over, we would love to see him put his athleticism to work in our dance class!