Sponsor Preschool for Afghan Refugee 2022-2023

In partnership with Chestnut Hill Realty, we are sponsoring children to join our pre-k classroom at SolBe Learning Chestnut Hill. These families have been relocated to Hancock Village after being forced from their homes and lives in Afghanistan.

 

This fundraising goal will help support tuition to attend preschool at SolBe for the 2022-2023 school. We will rally together throughout the year with different fundraising and events to ensure each child has consistent care and early learning at SolBe whilst their families reside in this area.

 

At SolBe, we are able to provide a consistent routine and a caring environment that is life-changing for these children. Their lives have been uprooted over the past 12 weeks. They have left behind all they know with their families and are starting a completely new life on the other side of the world. Both families spent weeks traveling to an Air Force base before landing in Chestnut Hill. Even in their short time here with us at school, the resiliency of children and their ability to see all that is good in this world, even in the face of tremendous adversity, is clear and very powerful.

 

Last week, during one of the children's visits, I was blown away by his openness to approach other children in class (despite not (yet!!) speaking any English). He pulled his chair right up to the table with the other children...no fear! He sat for lunch with his classmates and knew just what to do when spaghetti was served. I was in awe when he joined a group of girls in the class to explore a few bins of various materials on the floor prior to rest time. The girls finished looking through the materials and moved on to a different area of the classroom. Our new friend sat for a while longer. Then, I watched him carefully place all the materials he had taken out back into the learning bin. He was gentle and intentional in putting everything away; tremendously respectful of everyone and every item he interacted with. Our community is very fortunate and we have so much. It is easy to overlook small moments like this, but to me, it is a sign of a child who has nothing.

 

During the past few weeks, we have been tremendously proud of our preschoolers. Both classrooms have been curious and welcoming to our two new friends. In our Pre-K classroom, we discussed where in the world our newest friend was from and looked at Afghanistan together on the map. We are blessed to be a diverse community and many of the other children in the classroom jumped in and pointed out on the world map of where they are from.

 

If you would like to make a meaningful difference in the lives of these two children, please consider donating to this gofundme. Early education and a caring, consistent environment will help these children acclimate to life away from home and a new culture. The children will form friendships, learn English, and, be engaged in their respective classrooms. I cannot say enough...any amount helps!

 

We are tremendously grateful to have these very special children/families joining our vibrant community at SolBe. More updates to follow on how the children are enjoying school and adapting.

 

**We will be keeping the family's and children's names confidential.

 

A few notes for gofundme:

 

1. Who you are and where you are from

 

Marlo Tersigni, Owner and Operator of SolBe Learning Chestnut Hill- a preschool and early learning center in Chestnut Hill, MA.

 

2. Your relationship with the parties you're raising funds for

Working directly with the two families and their liaisons to coordinate preschool for two specific children.

3. Your plan to send the funds to the intended recipients, and their names.

Tuition will be paid directly to the school. SolBe Learning Uno, LLC.

4. How the funds will be spent (be specific as possible)

The funds will pay partial tuition for the two children for six months. SolBe Learning, LLC and Chestnut Hill Realty are sponsoring the remaining balance. The two families will not be responsible for tuition payments.