REFUGEE CHILDREN CLiF's refugee program is designed to offer literacy support and inspiring new books to local refugees including those from Somalia, Burundi, Sudan, Bosnia, Vietnam, and many other countries. Since the early 1980s more than 12,000 refugees from more than 30 nations have made New Hampshire or Vermont their home. Fleeing many forms of persecution these individuals now face the myriad obstacles involved in navigating a new culture. Chief among these challenges is learning to speak and read English. Through this program CLiF offers the following support: Children's Book Libraries: CLiF establishes children's book libraries in locations that are easily accessible to refugee families such as local community centers, social service organizations, and ELL classrooms. Some of the books are in English, while others are in both English and in the native languages of local refugees, including (but not limited to) Swahili, Maay Maay, Russian, and Turkish. CLiF selects these books in collaboration with experts from refugee communities. Storytelling Presentations: A CLiF representative will visit the school, library or refugee center and give an inspiring and entertaining storytelling presentation. These events are fun and educational while at the same time a model of effective book reading techniques. Books for Children to Keep: Each child attending a storytelling presentation is able choose some books to keep for their own from a collection of brand-new, hardcover children's books. Commented Barbara Seebart, New Hampshire State Refugee Coordinator: "We really don't have book or story activities for parents and children together. Many of the adults are pre-literate and the children are starting to learn English so they're at different levels. By providing access to books and family storytelling one can support literacy for the whole family. CLiF's program fits into our activities very well." View a list of previously sponsored sites for refugee children. If you work with refugee children or know of a place that does, please suggest a site. You can also view other comments from teachers and refugee coordinators who have attended these sponsorship events.