How One School District in Topeka, Kansas is Empowering Ukrainian Refugees Through Employment and Education

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has resulted in the displacement of millions of Ukrainians. While many have fled to neighboring countries or Europe, some have found a new home in the United States. Topeka, Kansas is one of the cities that have welcomed Ukrainian refugees. The district has taken steps to help both Ukrainian students and their families by hiring them as employees and volunteers to ease their transition into their new life. In this article, we will explore how the Topeka public schools have provided support for Ukrainian students and their families.

The Challenges Faced by Ukrainian Refugees

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has resulted in the displacement of millions of Ukrainians. These individuals have had to leave their homes, their jobs, and their loved ones. While some have fled to neighboring countries, others have found a new home in the United States. However, their transition into a new life can be challenging, especially for children who are still in school. For Ukrainian families who have settled in Topeka, Kansas, the school district has taken a unique approach to helping both students and their families.

How the School District is Empowering Ukrainian Refugees Through Employment

The school district in Topeka, Kansas has made a concerted effort to hire the family members of refugee students as employees and volunteers. As of early February, nearly 30 Ukrainian students had enrolled in the district. Their family members work as paraprofessionals, in food services, and in custodial services. By hiring the family members of refugee students, the district has provided a way for families to gain financial stability and begin planning for the future. In addition, hiring parents has been good for students as they can see their family members during the day and don't have to worry about childcare.

How the School District is Supporting Ukrainian Students

The district has created a feeder pattern for Ukrainian students. The district’s newcomer program, for newly arrived immigrant students, is located at Jardine Middle School, so it made the decision to enroll all incoming Ukrainian elementary students at Jardine Elementary, the feeder school attached to the middle school. High school students would go to Topeka High School, where the dual-language program is based. This feeder pattern allowed the district to use a single bus to pick up and drop off Ukrainian students, and it also minimized the possibility that there would be only one Ukrainian student in a building.

How the School District is Providing Additional Support for Students and Families

Topeka public schools have created more supports to help students and their families gain a foothold in their new home. One of the things it did was create a feeder pattern for Ukrainian students. Technology expansion during the pandemic, which made it easier for districts to provide hotspots and laptops to students, also allowed families to connect to their loved ones in Ukraine as soon as they settled. The district initially started offering volunteer positions to family members because “we presumed that it would be scary in a new place to not see your family,” Anderson said. The district also provides access to sheltered classes in all content areas, which are presented in ways that would be more comprehensible to the students.

The Benefits of Hiring Ukrainian Refugees and Supporting Their Families

The school district’s decision to hire the family members of refugee students has been a win-win situation. It has not only helped families gain financial stability but has also provided students with additional support. By providing students with language and cultural immersion, the district is helping them maintain their identity. Additionally, the district has learned as much from the families and students as the students and families have learned from them. It has been a valuable experience for teachers and staff to learn about different cultures and to work with families who have unique perspectives and experiences.

Moreover, the program has enabled Ukrainian refugees to become financially self-sufficient and contribute to their new community. By creating a pathway to employment, the school district has helped refugees overcome the barriers to securing employment due to language and cultural differences. As a result, these families have become part of the larger community and have been able to contribute to the local economy.

The decision by the Topeka school district to hire Ukrainian refugees and support their families has been a valuable initiative that has provided support for families and students, helped the district learn about different cultures and perspectives, and enabled refugees to become self-sufficient and contribute to the local community. The district's innovative approach to refugee integration is a model that other districts can learn from and replicate to support the integration of refugees and immigrants into American society.