The Refugee and Immigrant Well-being Project (RIWP)

The Refugee and Immigrant Well-being Project (RIWP) is a 9-month-long annual program that pairs students from the University of New Mexico (UNM) with newcomer families. Together, they work to mobilize community resources, foster mutual learning, and engage in advocacy efforts. For more information about the RIWP course, visit rwp.unm.edu.

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‍The RIWP Course

The RIWP class, Health and Social Inequalities I and II, is a two-semester, 9-credit-hour course offered at UNM. During the first three months of the fall semester, students participate in classroom-based learning, where they explore topics such as social inequalities, migration, and the resettlement challenges faced by newcomers. They also gain practical knowledge on accessing community resources and understanding the systemic barriers newcomers encounter.‍

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The Learning Circles

Starting every November, students and newcomer families gather weekly for three-hour sessions held in a community space. These gatherings include:

• Social Time and Cultural Exchange:
  Newcomer families and students engage in conversations supported by interpreters, discussing cultural experiences, traditions, and community topics. This cultural exchange fosters respect and understanding across generations by involving elders, parents, and children.
• One-on-One Learning Opportunities:
  Students and newcomer participants pair up to focus on personalized learning goals. Participants may choose to improve their English (speaking, reading, or writing), understand and respond to mail, develop financial literacy, or complete job applications.

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‍Refugee and Immigrant Advocacy

Outside the weekly Learning Circles, students spend 3-5 hours per week supporting newcomer families through various activities, such as:

• Practicing and improving English proficiency
• Navigating healthcare systems
• Completing job applications and seeking employment

Students work under close supervision and receive guidance from experienced instructors, ensuring that both students and participants benefit from a well-supported learning environment.

RIWP not only bridges cultural and generational divides but also equips both students and newcomer families with the tools to promote long-term community integration and advocacy.