Written by Sasha Reva
California is warmly welcoming all of the Ukrainian families who arrived from the war zone. Many school districts throughout California are working on serving new immigrant students and setting up programs to help all of those students thrive. They provide mental health counseling, English classes, additional summer programs, assistance with college and financial aid applications. Districts such as Oakland Unified and San Francisco Unified provided schools that were designed for newcomers.
Executive director of Los Angeles Unified, Lydia Acosta Stephens, commented, “This work is in our blood.” “We see that genuine smile and eagerness they have to learn. That twinkling in their eyes. And we will bend over backward to make those dreams come true.”
There is an unknown number of people who are coming from Ukraine, but there were more than 60,000 Ukrainian people who have lived in California since 2020. California is taking second place in the Ukrainian population among states after New York.
About 11 million people fled the country once it was invaded. The United States promised to accept at least 100,000 refugees. The US has been working on providing different programs but there is a big competition between the people.
Non-profit organizations such as “House of Ukraine” have been helping new refugees on the Mexico-United States border. They are collecting different types of donations and sending cars every week. Hundreds of people from Ukraine crossed the border in Tijuana. However, as of now, the program that was accepting Ukrainian people in Tijuana is closed now, and they have to fill out applications and wait for their process to move forward for being able to cross the border.
Since February 24th, Sacramento City Unified has welcomed at least 12 new students from Ukraine. These students received offers such as free immunization clinics, mental health counseling, English classes and services for families, such as help finding jobs.
Rev. Vasile Sauciur from St. Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral said, “The children won’t feel homesick because if their homes have been bombarded, there’s nothing for them to go home to. Home is just a memory”. “But they might be a little scared because schools here are different. There’s new rules, new expectations. It’s hard. Teachers and classmates will have to be patient. But these children are very strong.”
Pia Escudero, who is the district’s executive director of the division of student health and human services, also commented, “They want to be doctors, firefighters, business owners. Immigrants are tremendous contributors to our city and country.” “If this country has taught us anything, it’s the importance of welcoming international newcomers.” “This is not just about Ukrainians being displaced from their homes.” “It’s about humanity.”
Photo Cred: AP/ Rich Pedroncelli
