Professor Hijazi's UW 1020 is a Community Engaged Scholarship Course that                                                                   

Students in Professor Hijazi's University Writing course partnered with a variety of community organizations focused on immigrant rights, refugee support, and addressing local food insecurity.

Amica Center for Immigrant Rights was the most significant partner, where students provided translation services for asylum seekers, organized client files, and assisted with detention hotline services. Students translated documents in French to aid those seeking asylum, including materials on preparing asylum testimony. They also served as interpreters for attorney-client meetings, helping facilitate communication between legal professionals and detainees who couldn't communicate in English.

Mozaic: Students coordinated information for interviews with refugees and contacted clients about attending professional development programs and workshops focused on resume writing and career building.

Justice for All: Students researched and worked with this organization that advocates for refugee women from Myanmar and China, learning about their stories and exploring ways to provide financial support.

Other partnerships included:

• NOSH Delivers: Students participated in meal deliveries to shelters and managed social media.
• Capital Area Food Bank: Students sorted and packed food donations for people facing food insecurity in the DMV area.
• Habesha Kids Club: Students tutored children and helped with outreach efforts.
• Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area: Students participated in tutoring training and orientation for working with refugees.
• Legal Aid DC: Students took notes of court proceedings and organized documentation to support tenant legal services.

Student Comments:

"I learned how to interpret other people's words and translate them effectively, even without communication. Through this, I gained insight into the impact of the prison system on citizens in DC."- Student working with Amica Center for Immigrant Rights 

"I learned how to conduct the interviews and exactly what Mozaic does for the community. It was so impressive to hear about their workshop series. I also loved hearing from some of the refugees about their past jobs because they were very interesting."- Mozaic 

"Volunteering at NOSH Delivers was an incredibly eye-opening and fulfilling experience that deepened my understanding of food insecurity and community-based solutions. My time there allowed me to witness firsthand the challenges faced by vulnerable populations, including asylum seekers and refugees, and the critical role grassroots organizations play." - Student working with NOSH Delivers