Integrating the study of refugees into your curriculum is a great way for students to learn about other peoples and cultures. Listed below are websites with resources for teachers as well as service ideas in which a class or student group can participate. Other curriculum guides related to immigration and refugees are available at our office. We can arrange for a class visit from a former refugee which can "bring to life" students' studies of other countries.

Please contact us if you have ideas, questions or comments.
Contact: Ferdinand Lossou, Catholic Social Service, MRS Director 140 W. Speedway, Suite 130 Tucson, Arizona 85705 (520) 623-0344 ext. 1012, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

• http://www.pbs.org/kcet/newamericans/6.0/6.0pathway.html
The website for a PBS documentary about immigration to the United States called The New Americans has extensive educational resources.

SERVICE IDEAS FOR SCHOOLS
Below are suggested ideas for class involvement with refugee resettlement. The possibilities are endless and MRS staff welcome your ideas. Schools that are affiliated with a church could participate as part of a larger church project of assisting a family. Visit the Volunteer page and the Giving page for more information and ideas.

Elementary
Prepare a school supplies packet for similarly aged children in a refugee family. Each child in the class could bring a different item. Suggested items include but are not limited to:
• Pencils
• Notebooks
• Crayons or colored pencils
• Pencil box
• Backpack (to hold the materials)
• Pencil sharpener
• Eraser
• Ruler

Junior High
Students could become involved in advocacy, writing letters to their congressman etc. Migration and Refugee Services sometimes has a need for letter writing in regards to refugee and immigration issues. Teachers are welcome to contact the MRS office for a list of issues and/or form letters.

High School
Students or a student group looking for an after school activity could begin an after school tutoring program with refugee children or take responsibility for preparing an apartment before the family arrives. Getting an apartment ready involves seeking appropriate donations, and moving the furniture and other household items into the apartment.

Prepare a Toiletry Packet for a Refugee Family:
• Bar Soap
• Bottle of Shampoo
• Toothbrushes (We already have Toothpaste)
• Deodorant
• Razors and Shaving Cream

Prepare a Household Paper Supply Packet for a Refugee Family:
• Toilet Paper
• Paper Towels
• Napkins
• Baby Diapers

Prepare a Household Cleaning Supply Packet for a Refugee Family:
• Bottle of Bleach
• Laundry Detergent
• Dishwashing Soap