Since August 2005, the non-profit agency Culture Connect, Inc., has worked to address cultural and language challenges faced by immigrant and refugee children. While Bernadette Ludwig, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Culture Connect was visiting Ellis Island in New York, she was drawn to the part of the exhibit that depicts the life of immigrant children. One of the plaques called these children – “The Go-Betweens.” Culture Connect’s “Go-Betweener” Mentoring Program was born from that experience. “We are sponsoring “An Evening of Cultural Connections” to support this important program,” Ms. Ludwig announced.
The “Go Betweener” Mentoring Program reaches children who are either of the 1.5 generation, who came to the United States with their parents, or of the 2nd generation, who were born in the United States to immigrant or refugee parents. These children are said to be “between” two cultures: their home culture and the American culture. Research indicates that these children often become involved in high risk activities and search for a positive self-identity. Culture Connect matches young adult mentors with children and adolescent mentees, who share the same linguistic and cultural background as well as the experience of being an immigrant or refugee.
“An Evening of Cultural Connections” will be held on Sunday, April 27, 2008 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Solarium in Decatur. The evening will include a silent auction, international tapas, wine and two documentaries from renowned Colombian film maker, Roberto Arévalo. For additional information, visit www.cultureconnectinc.org