Boutwell worked in a refugee office before starting this program and always had a real interest in working with displaced peoples. She saw how they needed help with their education and thought that a summer program would be a good way to support their dreams.
Abby Bugas and Malecky, both freshmen at Tech, started tutoring this semester after hearing Boutwell mention it in their women’s studies class.
“You could tell just by whenever she started talking about it how passionate she was,” Malecky said, “and we saw pictures of the girls and what it meant to them and that was my motivating factor.”
Bugas described how Boutwell connects with each of the girls in the program.
“There are several girls and she has a tie with every single one of them,” she said.
Boutwell does not come from a help mindset of what she can personally do for others, but it’s more about her discovering these amazing girls and others who are already doing things, Schiovani said.
“I’m happy for the young people that are in it,” Yarmah said. “I’m a little bit older than them, but the opportunity they have right now if I had that opportunity when I first came here then I would be better than I am right now. But I’m still happy and am on the right track.”
Boutwell expressed how happy she is with the outcome and that she wants to continue this program, but would love to see a similar program for boys and the refugee communities come to fruition.
Its limited budget is also what Boutwell says makes their dreams stay dreams, but its open to any and all donations.
Boutwell expressed how she wants more Tech students to connect with the program and is looking for people to do activities outside their Thursday block.
Last May, Imani held its first award ceremony acknowledging two of its high school graduates, who came in their graduation robes.
The best part, Boutwell said, was everyone’s families coming together and bringing their own ethnic dish. It is rare to get all of the families together, not because of any cultural divide, but because ofthe demands placed by work and family life. For Boutwell, it was a wonderful moment to celebrate what Imani Nailah became.
Continue Reading: « Previous12
Leave a comment 0 Comments Write a letter to the editor
All letters to the editor must include a name, e-mail, daytime phone number and affiliation to Virginia Tech. Affiliation includes: year and major for students; position and department for faculty and staff; current city for alumni and parents.