DARASA
AT DARASA, WE SEEK TO SUPPORT THE SUCCESSFUL RESETTLEMENT AND INTEGRATION OF IMMIGRANT FAMILIES IN THE UNITED STATES. BY PARTNERING WITH LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS, THE INTERNATIONAL RESCUE COMMITTEE, AND THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES, WE PROVIDE ENGLISH AND STEM TUTORING TO REFUGEE AND MIGRANT STUDENTS. LEARN ABOUT THE IMPACT WE CREATE AND JOIN US IN BRINGING POSITIVE CHANGE.
WHAT WE DO
Our Partners
Florida State University
Florida State University College of Education
Florida State University College of Social Sciences and Public Policy
Florida State University Center for the Advancement of Human Rights
Leon County Schools District
International Rescue Committee
Florida Department of Children and Families
Our Approach
Our name, the Swahili word for “classroom” and the Arabic infinitive for “to study,” reflects our goal to enable students to not only fulfill but exceed, their educational goals. Darasa works with university students, pairing them with local English language learning (ELL) students K-12 based on scheduling availability. Once matched with a student, tutors provide in-school tutoring sessions twice-a-week. They focus on building a strong foundation in the English language, placing a large emphasis on basic English literacy skills. For beginner ELLs, tutors focus on basic pronunciation, reading comprehension, and basic vocabulary, conversation, and writing skills. With more advanced ELLs, tutors continue to work on reading and writing while also focusing on STEM subject areas. Tutors often coordinate their efforts with their students' teachers to ensure students do not fall behind in their classes.
Applying the Model
Since its inception in 2016, Darasa has worked to create a tutoring model that can be easily applied in other areas. In partnering with school districts, refugee resettlement and governmental agencies, and universities, Darasa has streamlined the process of sending tutors into local schools to work one-on-one with students in need of specialized instruction. We seek to scale this model to provide tutoring in other metropolitan areas in central Florida and the East Coast.
Interested in starting your own Darasa Chapter? Contact us for information on how to join us in expanding the reach of Darasa to impact your local refugee and migrant community.