Between 2008 and 2010, over 18,000 adolescent refugee girls were resettled in the United States. Once resettled, girls face overwhelming responsibilities and social isolation compared with their male counterparts but receive very limited support. In addition to figuring out how to navigate a completely unfamiliar environment – a new country, new culture, and American high school – girls must act as caregivers and translators. They do all of this while struggling to learn English and succeed in school. All of the girls in GirlForward’s programs experience stress related to succeeding academically while helping their families adapt to life in the United States. All live in poverty and have been directly affected by war.
GirlForward girls represent countries and cultures from all over the world – including Bhutan, DR Congo, Burundi, Iraq, and Burma. While girls come from diverse backgrounds, our programs are designed to meet each girl’s unique needs.
