Samantha Nau, a DePaul University clinical-community psychology doctoral student, proposes to help create and implement a home-based English literacy tutoring program for Rohingya refugee adults in the Chicago area. The Rohingya have faced decades of persecution in Myanmar, including denied access to education. Most Rohingya refugees that have resettled in Chicago have low literacy skills in all languages. This is especially the case for women and the elderly, who have encountered fewer educational opportunities, both in the past and after resettlement. Samantha hopes to raise $1,000 to fund materials needed for tutoring including books, English literacy curriculum materials for adults, and literacy-based games for children. In addition to increasing English speaking and literacy abilities, this program also aims to help build bridges between newly arrived Rohingya refugees and the Chicago community. Samantha is hoping to raise $1,000 to fund social events that will help promote social bonding and provide a platform to practice English language skills, for a total of $2,000.

The Schweitzer Fellowship is a year-long service learning program for graduate students in health-related professions who will design and implement innovative direct service projects aimed at improving the health and well-being of underserved Chicago area communities. Through their community projects and participation in a year-long program that includes mentoring support, monthly meetings, written reflection, and interprofessional collaboration, Schweitzer Fellows are developing the skills and confidence needed to become Leaders in Service—professionals who will remain dedicated to public service and to creating change.

In the summer of 2019, the Schweitzer Fellows for Life network launched Fellows Fest 2019, a campaign to help support our current Fellows' projects. Each of the Fellows has created a "wish list" of supplies and resources that will help them realize their service project goals. We also invite you to join us for our Fellows Fest event taking place on September 17th, 6-8pm in Chicago. Click here for more info and to RSVP.

The Chicago Areas Schweitzer Fellowship is a program of Health & Medicine Policy Research Group. Your Summer Fest donation will appear on your credit card statement at "Health & Medicine."