Life during the COVID-19 pandemic is challenging for parents and children alike, and the return to school is an important and hopefully welcome step. This year, Chicago public schools will begin on September 8 with all kids taking online, remote classes. This transition will be especially trying for immigrant and refugee children who are not only new to virtual school, but also to the country, customs, and language. The economic implications of the crisis further complicate things with many parents struggling to afford basic school supplies, food, and more.
Since 1987, the Marjorie Kovler Center has supported survivors of torture and trauma and their families with mental health, case management, and other social services. We believe all children deserve the opportunity to start the school year right, even during a health and economic crisis. To bridge disparities, the Kovler Center began collecting and distributing school and art supplies for immigrant and refugee families in Chicago. With the generous support of our community partners – Cradles to Crayons and Upcycling Colors – nearly 100 children received backpacks filled with materials tailored to their ages. Included in each backpack are activities for coping with long hours online and the stress of learning in a second or third language, as well as letters of encouragement from the Kovler Center team. You can read the cheerful messages in multiple languages, here.
Cradles to Crayons believes that every child deserves to feel safe, warm, and appreciated. They provide children through age 12 living in low-income situations with the essential items they need- free of charge.
Upcycling Colors rescues leftover (used/new) art, craft, and school supplies, and transforms them into like-new treasures. They bring these treasures to under-served communities around the world, including Chicago.
