Creating community through shared newcomer experiences - How we started

Hi everyone! My name is Nikki Rajan and I am the founder of Newcomer Narratives. As someone who is deeply involved in my school community, I saw how difficult it is for immigrant students to adjust to our complicated and new school system. I created these resources in order to help students and teachers who may deal with various issues transitioning to America.

Origin of the Organization

The organization was founded in response to a pressing need observed within the community: many individuals were struggling to navigate the complexities of the school system, learning English, and adapting to American cultural norms. This realization emerged from a series of meetings and discussions where local students shared their experiences and challenges.

Identifying the Challenges

Several key issues were identified that highlighted the struggles faced by community members:

• Language Barriers: Many families were unable to communicate effectively in English, which hindered their ability to engage with educational institutions and access essential resources.

• Educational Disparities: Children from immigrant backgrounds often faced difficulties in adapting to the school system, leading to lower academic performance and increased dropout rates.

• Cultural Adjustment: Newcomers frequently encountered challenges in understanding and integrating into American cultural norms, which affected their social interactions and mental health.

Community Response

Recognizing these challenges, Nikki decided to create Newcomer Narratives. She wanted to build a supportive environment that would empower community members through education and resources. By addressing language and cultural barriers, newcomers will thrive in their new surroundings!

Establishing Programs

To tackle these issues, Nikki started to develop some programs:

• Community Podcast: This is where Nikki interviews immigrant students who have faced and overcame many challenges in school and life in America. In these, they share their perspectives and advice for newer students. These episodes are currently about students at Nikki's school, but you can contact us at nikki.v.rajan@gmail.com or through the website if you or someone you know would like to be featured.

• This Website: We use this platform to provide guidance and resources for families to navigate the school system, including tips about how to succeed in classes that are taught completely in English and how to decide what courses to take at school. We will also have immigrant spotlights where people may write about their experiences for the blog.

Impact and Growth

Our future goals for this organization include implementing stronger programs in public schools and using community feedback to generate more change in the Richmond area. If you have any ideas please contact us through this website as we would be happy to take suggestions! If you would like to be featured in an episode or want help creating something similar in your community, feel free to reach out to us. Thank you for your support and we look forward to sharing more of our journey with you all!