This article was written by Erin Fitzgerald, a Lake Travis High School student who volunteered with iACT’s iLEARN refugee youth program this past summer. 

As an intern of Interfaith Action of Central Texas, I spent seven weeks of the summer to help refugee children (ages 5-12) adjust to their new lives in Austin. I taught them English and math, and went on field trips with them. Despite having experienced an arduous and even tragic past, these children came to the camp with smiles on their faces and a desire to learn everyday. This experience has really opened my eyes to other cultures and how people can be resilient in the face of adversity. I was also able to perform piano for the children which was an amazing experience because I could directly communicate with the children whose language I did not understand. Language is no barrier to love as music transcends the boundary in a way that allows people to connect to each other on a fundamental level.

On October 20 of 2019, I held a fundraising classical music concert to raise money for refugee kids from Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Syria that have relocated to Austin, Texas. After working with these children during the summer, I realized that music would be the best tool to bring the community together and work towards a good cause. I held the concert at my church and played a thirty minute piano program. Family and friends from all over my community attended, and the concert raised over $5600 for the cause. This experience reinforced my strong belief that music is the universal language that transcends all differences between humans.

In addition to the concert, I, along with the members of DECA, NHS, and International Club of Lake Travis High School, will host the very first Lake Travis International Fair at PAC of the high school on November 14 (Th) 4:30-6 pm to raise more funds for iACT educational program for refugee children. I’d like to invite all of you to the fun-packed event!!!