ECE®Aid campaign kicks off on World Refugee Day
Initiative supports and highlights importance of refugee access to higher education
MILWAUKEE, June 19, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. (ECE) kicks off its first annual fundraising campaign on June 20, World Refugee Day, to provide fee waivers for educational credential evaluations to refugees and those in need. A critical service for many, credential evaluations allow people educated in other countries to have their academic achievements recognized for the purposes of further study or employment in the United States. The program, ECE®Aid, launched in August 2016 and has since raised $19,348. The current campaign runs through August 15, and the organization hopes to raise an additional $10,000, which would provide reports for at least 50 people.
There is a strong desire for higher education among the world's growing refugee population. Yet globally, it is estimated that less than one percent of refugees have access to higher education. And only 1.4 percent of worldwide humanitarian aid goes to education of any kind, according to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
"For more than 36 years ECE has been ensuring that foreign-educated people are respected and recognized for their educational achievements," said Margit Schatzman, ECE president. "In a time of uncertainty and turmoil, we have the opportunity to make a real and meaningful difference in people's lives and help build a strong, diverse and productive society."
A typical course-by-course evaluation report costs approximately $160. This important piece of documentation may create a barrier for refugees or other vulnerable people looking to secure an education in the U.S. While the ECE®Aid program initially launched with the intention of helping refugees and asylum seekers, the scope has expanded to include those with temporary protected status, special immigrant status, and those effected by natural disasters or extreme hardship.
"Refugees face many barriers as they pursue getting to this country and starting or continuing an education. Waiving fees for credential evaluation is a small piece of the puzzle, but we hope it can be a very welcoming gesture as they start their journeys," said Schatzman.
All money received will be allocated specifically to report fees. ECE®Aid partners with experienced, trusted agencies and institutions to distribute fee waiver vouchers to qualifying participants.
Donations can be made online at www.ece.org/ECEAid.
SOURCE Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.
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