First Things First

The IRC’s First Things First Parent-Preschooler program is a unique educational opportunity for the most vulnerable group of refugees: preliterate parents and their preschool children. First Things First offers classes in English, literacy, and basic life skills for refugee parents while helping their young children develop fundamental skills in preparation for kindergarten.

For many of the parents and children, this program is their first opportunity to learn how to read or write in any language as educational opportunities were often interrupted or unavailable due to war, flight from their homeland, and detainment in refugee camps.   First Things First students come from Somalia, Sudan, Burma, Uganda, Eritrea, DR Congo, Burundi and Mexico.

The goals of First Things First are to:

• Actively engage refugee parents in their new community and their future through education.
• Prepare children for success in American school systems.
• Promote independence and success in employment, education, health, parenting and financial literacy.
• Help refugee families acclimate to their new lives in the US.

To learn how you can volunteer with First Things First, click here: Volunteer Opportunities with IRC San Diego

For more information about First Things First and how you can get involved, please contact:

Colleen Krause
Program Manager, Community & Family Strengthening
Phone: (619) 641-7510, ext. 242  
FAX:    (619) 641-7520
E-mail:  Colleen.Krause@theIRC.org