September 25, 2008
Genetic counselor puts her heart into refugee volunteer work
Serge Hakizimana spent 11 years of his life in a refugee camp in Tanzania. Originally from Burundi, he arrived in the United States in July 2007 and now works at the W Hotel in downtown Seattle. There, he washes dishes in the main kitchen in the restaurant and hopes one day to go to college.
He recognizes the challenges of finding work without a college degree, and he worries sometimes about making enough money to woo a wife and support a family. Hakizimana is not shy about sharing how he struggles to figure out how to make his dreams come true. He took a class last spring on medical terminology (as a precursor for a certified nurse assistant program), but ended up not having enough time to complete the course. Despite these challenges, Hakizimana also knows life could be worse. “My life was inhuman as a refugee,” he said. “I wish nobody could be a refugee.”
Genetic Counselor Mercy Laurino, who works at the UW Medical Center’s Medical Genetics Clinic, is inspired by refugees like Hakizimana. She serves on an advisory council for the Seattle office of the International Rescue Committee (IRC), the group that helped the young man from Burundi resettle in the Emerald City. Founded in 1933, the IRC is a leader in emergency relief, rehabilitation, human rights work, resettlement services and advocacy.
The IRC offices — including the one in Seattle — receive state and other funding to help refugees. Families and individuals have approximately four to six months to get on their feet, said Laurino. During that time, families receive around $700 a month in assistance. Staff and volunteers help refugees find jobs, schools for their children and, initially, help with making their way through places like the local grocery store and learning how to operate appliances that may seem quite foreign.
In addition to the advisory role, Laurino serves as a tutor in math, science and reading for several hours a week for young refugees in the New Holly neighborhood in Seattle. “Sometimes I’m so tired after work at the clinic, but the kids are so appreciative,” she said with a smile. Laurino combines cultural learning in her lessons, which is something most tutors probably don’t consider. “They may not have grown up eating pizza, but the students have a math problem about pizza,” she said.
Laurino said through her work with the IRC, she hopes to inspire other UW staff to assist with local refugee efforts. To learn more about the organization and numerous volunteer opportunities, visit www.theirc.org (click on “Where we work” and then locate Seattle).
Serge Hakizimana will perform with a Burundi choir, Hosana, at a benefit dinner at the W Hotel on Wednesday, October 15. The dinner is being held to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of international refugee relief and resettlement. IRC board member and 60 Minutes correspondent Scott Pelley is the keynote speaker. For details, contact Jennifer Malloy at 206-623-2105 or Jennifer.Malloy@theirc.org.
