When it comes to building mutual understanding and trust, friendships make all the difference! For two years, Oné Respé has been pairing teenagers at Cleveland area independent schools with students at the International Newcomers Academy to visit each other’s classrooms, play, create, eat, serve and laugh together. This thriving, friendship-based integration program cultivates honor and respect, bolsters language acquisition and fosters social connections for immigrant and refugee youth from 48 countries speaking 27 different languages. Oné Respé also helps American-born students gain understanding of global society, people, cultures, governments, religions, and the realities of being a refugee or immigrant. 

I serve on the National Youth Advisory Council for HOPE worldwide and began Oné Respé to build bridges of mutual support and education in my community.