African Refugee Tutorial (ART)
Living Water Evangelical Free Church of Des Moines works in partnership with Congo Progress, a nonprofit organization, through the African Refugee Tutorial (ART) Program.
The ART is free educational courses. The specific courses or type of courses that is offered through ART is dependent on the needs of the community and requests from current participants. At this time we are currently offering courses related to:
- English as a Second Language (ESL)
- After School Tutoring Program
- Computer Literacy
- Employment Training and Assimilation Mentoring
- Conflict Resolution, Reconciliation and Peace Building and more.
English as a Second Language (ESL)
Currently our ESL classes meet on Wednesday from 6:30 pm to 8:00pm. There are 3 groups each Wednesday, divided by ability level: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced. During these courses we help the participants to increase their ability to read, write and understand English. For some of the individuals in our programs this is the first time they are learning to read or write at all. All individuals participating in our ESL classes are able to attend as frequently as they would like and are free to move between ability levels as they feel comfortable. Our organization is looking for individuals with expertise in each of the subject areas to volunteer as instructors for these courses. The length and frequency of the course is dependent on the specific program and the material being covered.
Computer Literacy
Most members of the church and our community are from Africa where computers are limited to few individuals. Therefore, many people have never seen or even touched the computer. The few lucky ones who make it to the USA begin to get in touch with the computer for the first time in their life and they don’t know how to operate it. The church has therefore found it necessary and vital to train members in computer literacy free of charge.
Employment Training & Assimilation Mentoring
Another of the many ways we work to help fellow immigrants in our community is through the provision of programs designed to help smooth the transition to their new life in the United States. These programs are designed to help participants make the transition into the work force, find housing, apply for schools, acquire transportation and assist with any other transition to life in the United States. As a part of this program we network with businesses in the community to find potential job opportunities. We also help the participants write résumés and cover letters as well as improve their interview skills. This assistance with their job search better prepare them for the work structure of the United States so they can be successful when they do get a job. We also help the participants to learn about pay structures, benefit packages and any other aspects of their job. In addition to helping the participants find jobs we also offer assistance programs designed to help participants find quality housing, transportation and any other services necessary for them to be successful in their new community. Many of these activities are accomplished by matching each person with a mentor who can provide assistance and guidance in adjusting to life in the United States. The mentors may be American citizen volunteers or foreign individuals who have also immigrated to the United States so they can better understand the struggles that are encountered. Through this mentor relationship individuals can receive help obtaining a driving license, establishing residency and/or applying for citizenship and becoming comfortable in general with their new life. All mentoring and assistance is done on an as needed basis. Our prayer is that all programs offered by our organization be staffed by qualified individuals, who have expertise in their particular service area. The executive director oversees all staff and client interaction, while continuously employing his years of training and experience in ministry. Overall, Living Water Evangelical Church aspires to improve the transition for African immigrants to life in the Des Moines, Iowa area.
Conflict Resolution, Reconciliation and Peace Building
We are living in a corrupted world giving rise to many troubles, strife, conflicts and wars. This service, in our church, has the unique opportunity to deal with a variety of conflict resolutions, peace building and reconciliation models for those arriving in Des Moines from different tribal groups, and working with a restorative and retributive justice system. We also work to promote human rights (teaching communities to do right, seek justice, encourage the oppressed and defend the cause of the fatherless and plead the case of the widows). Jos. 22:11-34; Is. 1:17; Matt. 5:9, 25-26; 18:18; 2 Cr. 5: 18-19; Eph. 2:14-17; 1Pt. 3:11; Ps. 122:6-9; Lk. 4:18-19.
