RIYO

Spring forward with RIYO 💛 -

Spring forward with RIYO 💛 We are excited to share some updates with you. Your generosity during our holiday giving campaign has created new opportunities for 57 youth this spring with the launch of RIYO’s Newcomer Program. Thank you for your support, and check out some of the fun we’re having below!

🌟A Successful End to RIYO’s After School Program! 🤝

We're grateful to wrap up another inspiring after school program at Bunger and Hoover Middle Schools! There were so many awesome moments.

💙 60 students joined in to improve their English, meet new friends and strengthen their connections.

💙 96% of kids reported feeling more excited to go to school after joining RIYO.

💙 100% of surveyed students shared that they want to return next year!

We’re so proud of all the students who participated and can’t wait to welcome them back next year!

A HUGE THANK YOU to our wonderful volunteers, staff, and supporters who made this program possible. Your time, effort, and passion are what make RIYO such a special community.



🤝 University of Northern Iowa Waterloo Community School District TESOL at UNI Waterloo Community Foundation Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa Bunger Middle School Cedar Valley United Way R.J. McElroy Trust

🌟 Cultural Spotlight: Karenni Subgroup - Monu Manaw! 🌟

This week, we’re celebrating the Culture of the Monu Manaw, a subgroup of Karenni. Did you know? Monu Manaw has its own flag, traditional clothing, and unique language dialect—and shares the most similarities with other Karenni subgroups!

Re and Siese have shared their culture through music and food. Re shared some of her favorite foods, which are the sago and noodle salad (picture below), with the RIYO Team.

Thank you, Re and Siese, for sharing such an amazing culture with the RIYO team.

RIYO Coach Highlight 💫

Our Future Focus Coaching Program is all about supporting students with their college, career, and life goals. ✍️ Meet Mawlia, one of our amazing coaches! Mawlia is a Waterloo School (West High) alum, former refugee, and also a recent graduate of University of Northern Iowa, with a BA in Social Work. Now as a coach, she helps youth navigate college, explore career paths, and grow personally along the way.

“I get to watch them grow and reach their goals," Mawlia shares. "Knowing I played a part in their journey is incredibly rewarding. It’s all about helping them see their own potential and take steps toward their future with confidence.” 🎓

Through her training and coaching experience, Mawlia has also grown as a mentor. She’s honed her listening skills, learned to give constructive feedback, and found ways to support each student in a way that works best for them.



Thank you: Cedar Valley United Way | R.J. McElroy Trust | Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa

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Today's wise words are from Brandon, an alumni of RIYO's Youth Navigator Leadership program and current West High student. He dreams of becoming a doctor; in the meantime, he's making a big impact on the community helping kids learn to read as a Youth Navigator.

Brandon is always looking for ways to connect with his community, learn more English, and explore different cultures. His favorite part of the program was leading fun learning activities for the Kids Club. Brandon is originally from Mexico, and is known for his outgoing personality and curiosity, he loves meeting new people, drawing, reading books, and learning languages!📚 🎨



Cedar Valley United Way | R.J. McElroy Trust | Waterloo Community Foundation | Waterloo Community School District | Waterloo Community Foundation | City of Waterloo, Iowa - City Hall

🇺🇸 Team RIYO Voted Early -- you can too! 🗳️

☑️ 1 week left to vote!!

In-person during early voting: Oct 16- Nov 4th.
In person at voting location on Election Day: Nov 5th



University of Northern Iowa | TESOL at UNI | Waterloo Community School District