BRYE 1-2-1 is a one-on-one mentoring program that serves the low-income, immigrant, and refugee community in Dorchester, Massachusetts. Specifically, we primarily work with children whose families over the past several years have fled their native countries to seek political or economic refuge in South Boston. These displaced children and their families struggle to adapt to a radically new environment. Differences between each of their cultures and American culture in areas such as social practices, family relations, language and schooling often lead these families to feel insecure and frustrated in their new homes. The children frequently have a difficult time interacting with classmates, understanding teachers and homework assignments, getting along with children of different racial or ethnic backgrounds, and getting into selective public schools such as Boston Latin.

In 1987, the BRYE 1-2-1, Tutoring, and Summer Programs were established to help these children take on the challenges that come hand-in-hand with settling down in a new and different community. Generally speaking, then, we as big brothers and big sisters are committed to helping the children of BRYE adapt to life in the United States. In a sense, we help put our little sibs on equal academic and social footing with children both born and raised in the U.S.

We work towards forming meaningful, long-term friendships with our little brothers and sisters. We serve as mentors, friends, and confidantes to these children. Based on principles of trust, respect, sincerity and patience, we seek to forge relationships in which our little sibs feel comfortable turning to us for help with the challenges that they face.

For more information, contact Samia Farooqi (farooqi@fas) and Chau Tran (ctran@fas)