Meet Eugene Kiruhura
Eugene is Pastor of the Shalom Covenant Church, Founder and Director of Shalom Community Impact Center (SCIS), Community Navigator and Family Advocate.
Eugene gave a very moving presentation about his journey to America, and what led up to creating the Shalom Community Impact Center.
Eugene was born in Fizi, Democratic Republic of Congo. He was forced to flee his home country in 2004 due to civil war. He was resettled in Des Moines, Iowa, where he has lived since 2007. He arrived with nothing but one set of clothes and not knowing the language. He understands the hardships new immigrants face as he has lived through them. He founded the Center to support refugees and immigrants with access to educational, social, and economic upward mobility.
A few of the many programs at SCIC:
Preschool – This program prepares children for success as they enter kindergarten.
After School – SCIC values our youth as our future and rises to meet this challenge with a program to support refugee and immigrant students with the After School and Summer Programs. Focus on homework, reading and math.
Computer Class – These days a computer is a doorway to education, employment, social connection and more.
English Class – English speaking skills are some of the biggest barriers refugees and immigrants face in education and employment, and the biggest barriers to upward mobility.
Summer Program – Consists of organized outdoor activities such as playtime, academic sessions, swimming, field trips, digital literacy and music programs.
The summer program consists of approximately PK – 20 kids, 1st-2nd – 15 students, 3rd-4th 15 students, 5th-6th 15 students.
Alex Knoshaug, our SUMMIT intern, is working at SCIC with their summer program. They recently took a field trip to the Art Center. On Sunday, Alex shared some of his experiences working at SCIC. The students will sometimes ask him about what it is like to go to college. He said he now realizes and appreciates more all the things he used to take for granted!
