At iACT, we have great appreciation for the wonderful volunteers who make our service work possible! In this Volunteer Spotlight Bill Kelsey, iACT for refugees volunteer, tells us a little more about himself.
Q: Where are you from? How long have you been in Austin?
A: I am originally from several places in the US but grew up in Jordan, then studied, lived, and traveled several places in the US and abroad before settling in Austin in 1980. I have considered Austin to be home since then. However from 1997 to 2017 I lived and worked as a pilot on several contracts in Africa and Asia.
How long have you volunteered with iACT?
Since November, 2019
What made you want to volunteer with iACT?
I have been an outspoken defender of refugee rights and immigrant appreciation. However I thought I should put some more time into directly helping refugees in some way.
What do you enjoy the most about working with iACT?
In the classes which I assist I have a chance to explain things in several of the languages I study, such as Arabic, Dari, and Swahili.
What’s the most challenging thing about working with iACT that you experienced?
I was teaching a Pashto speaking Afghan woman how to write her name in English. She was illiterate in Pashto, did not speak Dari, and I know no Pashto.
What’s the most rewarding thing about working with iACT that you experienced?
Appreciation from the students and staff members.
Why would you encourage others to perform similar volunteer work with iACT?
Immigrants and refugees are under attack from some dark corners of our society. We must engage with them and support them in whatever ways we can, in the place we are, and the time we have.
