The Patrick Henry Village: A Symbol Of Hope For Refugees
Start writing a post
Student Life

The Patrick Henry Village: A Symbol Of Hope For Refugees

How one center helps those who are in need.

156
The Patrick Henry Village: A Symbol Of Hope For Refugees
Ashley Smith

The Patrick Henry Village has occupied a unique place in American history. Named after the sixth governor of Virginia, the Patrick Henry Village was built in 1947 after the end of World War II. The base was built to guarantee protection for the area that was around it, and it provided a shelter for troops that were dispatched for brief periods of time. The Patrick Henry Village was originally used for military purposes, but it was empty for many years. In 2015, the Patrick Henry Village became a center for the government to place refugees. The Patrick Henry Village has allied with the European Study Center because students from other schools volunteer there.

The base sees volunteers and refugees interacting with each other regularly. The Patrick Henry Village is located in Heidelberg, Germany, and students from various universities study abroad while volunteering for the base. Students work with children from the ages of 6 to 15 in the big kids room, and the classroom is generally split into three sections. The sections are centered on math, English or German, and the students try to create a school-like atmosphere for the lessons. The children have various interests and passions, and the students try their best to account for the needs of all of the children. Whenever someone cannot join the classroom, the students provide them with books so that they still have an opportunity to learn.

The Patrick Henry Program also donates whenever it can. One example of the center's generosity is a "sock hop" that they had. The students were given a large amount of socks from a generous donation, and they had enough to have two sock hops. The students had a party with the children that involved music and dancing, and they gave socks to each of the children. The students saw that children run around without proper clothing and socks, and they gave them socks for themselves and their parents. The students saw how small items such as socks drastically impact the quality of life for someone, and the children were able to obtain protection from the world around them.

Students also divide their work into another type of room. In the little kids room, students work with kids from the ages of 2 to 6. This room lets students work with younger kids, and they dedicate their time to teaching them about basic life skills and letters. The little kids room is where children go to learn about numbers, and they do craft activities with the students. The kids learn essential life skills that will stick with them for the rest of their lives, and they learn how to clean up after themselves. Kids also learn how to say please and thank you, and the kids are happy to come to the lessons. The students instill trust into the children, and they impact their lives in a positive way.

The Patrick Henry Village program also teaches valuable life lessons. As students interact with refugees, they learn so much about the world and how people act. In addition to confirming that we are all the same in the world, students find out that everyone has similar desires. Even though we have different hometowns and families, the center shows that we all want to lead a good life that is free of worry. The refugees displayed an eagerness to connect with the volunteers, and they did their best to find optimism in difficult situations. The volunteers saw the value of kindness and supporting others, and they also learned that connection is essential to being human. The Patrick Henry Village encourages students to be thankful for what they have, and that we shouldn't take our luxuries for granted. The Patrick Henry Program displays a unique side of life that isn't seen very often, and the students grow tremendously as a result.

Overall, the Patrick Henry Village program is a massive benefit for everyone that is involved. As well as helping refugees and teaching important aspects of life, students get to grow as people. They develop valuable bonds with children and learn about different ways of life, and students can truly make a difference in the lives of others. The children develop skills that will help them to progress in the world, and they can know what it's like to depend on the efforts of others. The Patrick Henry Program also tells important lessons about life for its volunteers, and it shows how we all need to rely on each other to handle the struggles of life. GoFundMe allows people to get involved with the Patrick Henry Village, and the center shows that there are people who will help others in hard times.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

77670
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

47878
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

978100
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments