Empowering Migrant Youth Through Summer Programs
Empowering Migrant Youth Through Summer Programs
As a Haitian immigrant, SCI staff member Vitalie Memeus has a deep understanding of the challenges faced by the migrant families who arrived in Woburn last year. Vitalie initially joined the SCI team in 2022 as the SCI VEAP (Vaccine Equity Access Program) Coordinator. Learn more about Vitalie’s background here.
Thanks to the tireless efforts of Vitalie Memeus, Social Capital Inc. partnered with the North Suburban YMCA and the James L. McKeown Boys & Girls Club of Woburn in their summer camp programs to include migrant youth their summer camp programs, fostering safe spaces and growth opportunities.
Creating a Summer to Remember
In July, nine elementary and middle school-aged migrant youth began their participation in the YMCA summer camp. Offered to all youth in Woburn, the North Suburban YMCA summer camps seamlessly blended fun and education. There were a variety of sports and field games as well as arts and crafts –all while incorporating literacy, math, and science lessons. The migrant youth relished their time at the YMCA summer camp, as it builds friendships and enhances their social and emotional growth.
The YMCA camps will continue until the end of August, allowing the youth to have a summer filled with joy, learning, and new experiences.
For nine migrant teens, the Woburn Boys & Girls Club’s A.C.E (Advancing Career Exploration) summer program provided adolescents in Woburn a unique opportunity to explore workforce development and career readiness. Starting on July 8th and concluding on August 9th, the A.C.E. program helped teens develop their employability skills and introduced them to real-world work opportunities through engaging off-site experiences.
“The migrant teens really enjoyed being part of the program where they learned about workforce development opportunities and career readiness,” shared Vitalie.
A highlight for many in the A.C.E. program was the chance to attend a Red Sox game, a first-time experience that left a lasting impression.
Motivation Rooted in Experience
Vitalie’s motivation to have SCI collaborate with the YMCA and Boys & Girls Club summer programs comes from her own experience as an immigrant and a parent.
She understands the stress and pressure these families face as they navigate a new life in an unfamiliar country.
“It takes time for some people to adjust to their new lives under normal circumstances when migrating to a new place, and these families had a rough journey to get here,” Vitalie stated.
“I’d drive by the hotel [where the migrants are housed] and see children of all different ages running around, playing soccer in the parking lot, riding their bikes. Meanwhile, the adults are driving in and out for work and families are practicing their driving skills in that parking lot.”
“I felt compelled to help these children use their time in a more constructive way,” explained Vitalie.
By providing summer activities for the children through the summer camp partnerships, Vitalie hoped to ease some of the anxiety for the parents, allowing them to focus on work or job searching.
“I came to the U.S. with a child myself and appreciate those who have guided me,” Vitalie shared. “Helping the families find activities for their children during the summer makes it easier for the parents to focus on work or look for work, which is a top priority.”
A Community Effort
Organizing these summer opportunities was not without its challenges. From difficulties in locating necessary documents like physical forms and immunization records to logistical issues such as lost phones and conflicting work schedules, Vitalie faced numerous obstacles.
However, these challenges were overcome through local support, further strengthening community relationships.
“With the help of the staff from all the organizations helping the families, Housing Families, the Woburn School District, the YMCA, the Boys and Girls Club, the volunteers, along with many other people- we overcame these challenges,” explained Vitalie. “With patience and determination, we helped lighten the load of the migrant families and allowed their children to do things that other kids their ages are doing.”
A Lasting Impact
The impact of these summer programs has been profound. The children who attended camp have formed tighter bonds and are now more comfortable and connected with one another.
“I see them more as a group now than before,” Vitalie observed. “They’re excited to share their camp experiences, and I see them playing together more outside.”
Parents, too, have expressed their gratitude, noting that the programs provided their children with much-needed structure and social interaction during the summer months.
“Some parents expressed that they are grateful for the program because they were not at peace with their teens using electronics all day while they are out working,” explained Vitalie.
Ending the Summer with Gratitude & Strengthened Connections
Vitalie is quick to acknowledge that the success of this initiative would not have been possible without the support of the entire community. From volunteers who dropped off supplies to the organizations that collaborated on the summer programs, it was a collective effort that made this summer special for the migrant youth.
“I am amazed at how a group of people who were not very connected before came together overnight and formed a team that worked tirelessly to respond to the situation,” Vitalie stated. “We wouldn’t be able to help the migrants as adequately without all of you, and we are very grateful for all your help.”
“I just wanted to say thank you to all the people in the previously mentioned organizations, the entire community of Woburn, our neighboring communities, the volunteers, and every individual who has been helping the migrant families since their arrival here last summer.”
As the summer winds down, Vitalie hopes that the increased social and community connections will lead to a happier, healthier, and more closely-knit community.
