Elysee, Gentil and Kelia
Elysee, Gentil, and Kelia along with their family, having fled from the DRC, were resettled to the US with refugee status from Rwanda in May 2016. Their caseworker from the IRC registered both the boys in the Reading Circle. However, because we have a one to one ratio for our Reading Circle students, we waited until we were able to recruit and train volunteers. It took a few months, but in September 2016 Elysee and Gentil started the Reading Circle as non-readers. This did not overly concern us as we realized that students grow at their own individual rates. We wanted to know what their level was and we worked with each student to progress at the speed that was right for them. Elysee and Gentil were in the 4th and 2nd grades respectively when they began the program and we began the journey of supporting them in their flourishing. Kelia would join her brothers at the Reading Circle in the fall of 2019.
Elysee is truly an extraordinary person with a natural ability to absorb knowledge. He has an insatiable desire to grow and learn. Elysee may have begun his journey as a non-reader, but in these four short years, he has progressed to three grade levels above his current grade level. Through Elysee’s joy in learning, he has taught us all about living life in community. Elysee genuinely cares about others whether it is by sharing his popcorn or asking a person about their day. His favorite sport is soccer and is always ready for a game.
Gentil is Elysee’s younger brother, and one who’s full of energy, laughter, and a personable character. Gentil quite honestly would rather be playing soccer or hanging out with his friends. Yet, Gentil comes to Reading Circle for the relationships that he has with his mentors and his friends! Gentil loves to be around people and he is okay with learning how to read better. He loves the fluency tracker which is obviously his favorite part of the night! Gentil sees that progress takes time and has paid off. He has come consistently all these years! Congratulations, Gentil! Some of the greatest lessons in life are learning about tenacity and persistence!
Kelia is Elysee’s and Gentil’s younger sister. Kelia is a cartwheeling 2nd grader who is inquisitive, thoughtful and kind. Kelia's progression this semester has been phenomenal as she has progressed one whole grade in one semester. Kelia has an insatiable desire to read and comes into the office to find a new set of books to keep her set for the week. She is eager to put into practice the skills and concepts she has learned with her mentor.
Interviews
Elysee
Q: What have been some of the greatest adjustments/challenges in your resettlement process
Elysee: The English language was the hardest challenge because we needed a translator for everything, like school and work.
Q: What is a funny story that you would like to share related to your resettlement story?
Elysee: The funny story I can think of is when we got here my brother was sick, so my mom had to go to the hospital. My brother looked hungry and weak. My mom didn’t speak English, so she just say “food, food, food,” to everyone she see in the hospital!!
Q: What do miss most from your home country or your host country?
Elysee: One thing that I really miss is playing soccer with my friends. We would make our own soccer ball with our hands using balloons, yam, and some pieces of cloth with plastic strips
Q: What one or two people have been most important to you in helping you to adjust to life in America?
Elysee: My friends help me in learning English and fitting in with other kids. Reading Circle also helped in improving my English and vocabulary and reading.
Q: French fries, ice cream, or hamburgers? If you had to choose an American food, which would you choose?
Elysee: I would choose french fries because they are tasty, salty, and most importantly they are even better with ketchup!
Gentil
Q: What have been some of the greatest adjustments/challenges in your resettlement process?
Gentil: One of the greatest adjustments was learning the new language.
Q: What is a funny story that you would like to share related to your resettlement story?
Gentil: Before we learned English, we had each other to laugh and joke around with.
Q: What do miss most from your home country or your host country?
Gentil: Something I miss is my friends, teachers, and schools.
Q: What one or two people have been most important to you in helping you to adjust to life in America?
Gentil: My dad, mom, and teachers have been nice and setting me up for success.
Q: French fries, ice cream, or hamburgers? If you had to choose an American food, which would you choose?
Gentil: French fries!!
Kelia
Q: What have been some of the greatest adjustments/challenges in your resettlement process?
Kelia: I don’t remember because I was only four years old.
Q: What one or two people have been most important to you in helping you to adjust to life in America?
Kelia: You, everyone at the Reading Circle and the mentors. Last Wednesday, Ms. Meredith, she helped me to pray and ask Jesus into my heart. Mr. Jan who comes to my home on Sundays to teach us the Bible and to follow after Jesus.
Q: French fries, ice cream, or hamburgers? If you had to choose an American food, which would you choose?
Kelia: French fries. They are really good because I really like potatoes and they are better with ketchup.
Bio by Alysa Marx
Elysee interviewed by Emily Walter
Gentil interviewed by Kristen Goodale
Kelia interviewed by Alysa Marx
Edited by Michelle Matthews and Vanessa Burbano