The ASPIRE Program was born out of Sewa’s heartfelt response not simply to the perceived need, but to the genuine request for help from refugee children in Houston.

OUR MISSION

Sewa's mission is to empower communities by sharing with them the resources and skills needed to enhance their own lives. For underserved youth in Houston, that empowerment is taking place through the ASPIRE Program.

The focus is on the overall development of the children, nurturing in them the knowledge and qualities required for social and academic success, such as emotional intelligence, competence in core subjects, critical thinking, and creativity.

OUR ACTION

Since 2013, we have been providing free out-of-school tutoring, mentoring and enriching activities to children of low-income families in Southwest Houston. ASPIRE addresses education gaps that many children face due to cultural and language barriers. Sewa runs three after-school programs, all at no cost to the students and their families. Each center is housed in an apartment that’s been converted into a learning space, directly in the apartment complex where the students live.

The ASPIRE centers are highly popular in the communities that they serve. The centers are open during after school hours when students would ordinarily be home alone, providing a safe and motivating space for them to work together. Because the tutors at the centers are working directly in the apartment complexes where the students live, the tutors get to know families on a personal level. This type of relationship creates a unique opportunity not just to provide academic help, but also family assistance and guidance when applicable. Because many families that ASPIRE serves are new to the United States, this type of support from a local contact can be invaluable.

OUR MODEL

Each center develops a style that meets the needs of the children that it serves. Those needs are based on differences in English language ability, cultural background, age, schools they attend and personal development challenges.

Many students attend the centers to receive help with their homework and to improve their English. At an ASPIRE center, they have the opportunity to practice speaking English with the teachers, volunteers and their peers. Besides academic and language support, students have access to enriching activities, such as arts & crafts, team sports and STEM projects.

During the summer, Sewa runs the Get Involved Houston (GIH) and Lead internships. GIH is for college students who want to help develop curricula and activities for the summer session, as well get experience working at a nonprofit. Lead is for high school students that want to help run activities with the ASPIRE students.