Looking for mentors! International Center of Kentucky looking for community support

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – The International Center of Kentucky recently started a youth mentorship program and is looking to grow its volunteerism this year.

A pilot program launched last year to help younger refugees and ESL immigrants to acclimate to American society. News 40 spoke to two young Tanzanian women who came to the states in 2017 but benefited greatly from the first year of the mentorship program.

Kiza Celestine and Marie Kilofo moved to Bowling Green in 2018, and, though they didn’t need much help with American culture, the program helped them with life after high school as both girls weren’t sure where to turn.

Both Kilofo and Celestine said in their homes before Bowling Green, food was a big issue for their families, as there weren’t other immigrants around in Montana and Virginia. But moving into 2023, they’re hoping they can help newcomers and refugees like them with what they have learned so far.

However there are around 300 students that the center hopes to pair with mentors. Case manager Vanisha Stewart-Amoah said the hope for the program is to get it well known around Bowling Green and get their immigrant children as much help as possible in their formative years.

Recruitment is year round and can be found on their website at http://www.icofky.com