Following our mission and vision, Suruwat has implemented these initiatives to assist refugees in creating a self-sustainable life:

Driving lessons
Due to the society structure, most refugees have never driven in their lives nor been exposed to automobiles. Thus, driving in America is a completely new experience that requires extra careful guidance than what the typical average person would require. Furthermore, extra effort is needed to learn new signs, laws and regulations in a language that is still foreign to many of them. Suruwat members provide lessons on both knowledge and hands-on applications.

Legal advice
Members of the refugee community feel overwhelmed with new laws that are affecting them. From questions ranging about visa status to marriage procedure that are different from their native country, they seek guidance to ensure the accuracy in compliance with the law.

Financial advice
For those that have recently joined the American workforce, many of them are dumbfounded when they receive a form called the W-2. From opening bank accounts to figuring out a routing number, managing finances is essential in a family’s success.

American Survival 101
Suruwat holds open forums with the residents to identify current challenges to create viable solutions. Topics include job hunting, eating out, transportation, shopping, public facilities such as the library among others.

English classes

Computer classes

Basic needs drives

Art classes for children

Handcrafts: a woman’s tool to independence

Refugee women are faced with nearlyunsurmountable challenges. Not only do they face their counterparts’ typical problems such as language barriers, lack of skills, lack of transportation and a scarce job market but they are also affected by illiteracy and cultural barriers that discourage them from working.

Suruwat is adamant in creating a model that enables women to be self-sustainable and assist their household financially while fulfilling their traditional cultural duties as a wife and mother.

A significant number of women have high levels of talent in handcrafts and embroidery. They create a multitude of handmade accessories that reflect their values, traditions and spirit in each item.

Currently, we are looking for donors, museums and other entities interested in acquiring their goods for exhibition, increase awareness while creating a model for sustainability.

Visit handcrafts gallery

Suruwat, Inc. a non-profit organization © 2009