WRAP participants visited our daffodil field in 2019.
Thanks to generous support from the Greater Worcester Community Foundation through its 2020 Community Grant Program, New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill is planning to deepen its connection with the Worcester Refugee Assistance Program, known as WRAP.
Worcester has the largest refugee population in Massachusetts and WRAP serves refugees from Burma in the area. New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill believes access to green space is a basic human right and is committed to environmental justice by making its gardens accessible to all. To forward this goal the garden has partnered with WRAP since 2016 on programming geared to participants ages 5 to 19.
Recently, we conducted a Question and Answer session with Lesa McWalters, the executive director of WRAP, to learn more about the collaboration.
Question: What is the WRAP program all about?
Answer: WRAP started in 2009 when 230 refugees from Burma resettled in Worcester and a group of volunteers got together to see how we could help. The first few years were focused on basic needs, such as how to navigate social services, getting furniture, finding jobs, registering for school and learning English. Now, since the refugees have been here for 11 years, WRAP is now focused on education and overall well-being of the children, youth, adults and elders in the community. Education includes helping kids with homework, navigating the virtual learning process, reading and writing skills, and fun activities. Education for parents and adults includes learning the English language, learning how to drive, financial education, and family activities to create a sense of community and to embrace the Burmese culture.
Q: What kinds of activities do the WRAP youth participate in?
A: The children and youth participate in Zoom one-to-one mentorships with volunteers two times per week to help with virtual learning, homework, reading and writing skills, and a personal check-in to see how they are doing overall. On Thursday evenings, WRAP provides an all-group activity where all children and youth come together (and sometimes families) to do a fun activity, such as play Bingo, do a craft, read books, do yoga, and other activities that encompass the theme of the week such as: wellness, recycling, dinosaurs, ocean life, emotions and mental health, and many others. On Saturday mornings, the children’s group meets virtually to do a learning activity and a fun activity, and this is when we have enjoyed the experience of connecting with New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill. The children and youth really enjoy these sessions and look forward to learning about nature and plants.
Q: What is the best part of the collaboration between WRAP and New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill?
A: The best part of the collaboration between WRAP and New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill is the great relationship the children and youth have with Marissa [Gallant, the youth education manager at THBG], and the fun and educational activities she brings into the homes of the refugee children and youth. Growing up in very rural Burma, or in the refugee camps in Thailand, the children and youth miss the opportunity to be close to nature, to plant their own food, and to learn about different activities surrounding nature, gardening, and plants in New England. Marissa does an excellent job explaining and teaching the children in a friendly and fun way.
Q: What have the WRAP participants said about New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill?
A: When WRAP participants hear that we will be doing an activity with New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, all the children and youth show up for that event! Prior to Covid-19, this was a great opportunity for the children and youth to get out of the city and experience nature in a safe and friendly environment. Many parents participated, as well, especially when WRAP was able to plant their own gardens and maintain that garden throughout the summer. WRAP loves New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill and we are so grateful for this wonderful collaboration, especially now, with the coronavirus pandemic, which has isolated the children and youth even more from experiencing nature. We are hopeful we can actually visit New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill in the late Spring/Summer when the weather is better and we can safely enjoy all the wonderful gardens and trails and enjoy outdoor activities.
Q: How has the support of the Greater Worcester Community Foundation (GWCF) impacted this partnership?
A: It is truly amazing! The Foundation is so supportive of local organizations who create community and educational programs for Worcester residents, and it does not surprise me that New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill was chosen to receive a grant from GWCF to support the programming that supports WRAP. New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill serves the Worcester community in so many ways, and with all ages, and WRAP is so fortunate to have this collaboration. With this grant, New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill will be able to expand their services for WRAP by providing transportation to and from programs and providing activities and programs throughout the year – that is truly amazing and children and youth are so excited to start a new year with New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill! Additionally, we are excited to include adults and parents of the children for some of the activities this year, allowing the whole Burmese community to enjoy the beauty and fun at New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill. We are so grateful to GWCF and New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill!