African Community Education
Saint Cyr Dimanche is a dedicated community development specialist currently serving as the Career Development Coordinator at African Community Education since May 2022. With experience as a COVID-19 contact tracer at Partners In Health and as an enumerator for the United States Census Bureau, Saint Cyr has demonstrated a strong commitment to public health and data collection. Also a co-founder of the Association of Central African Republic (ACAR), Saint Cyr has worked to support Central African communities in North America since 2015. Educational background includes a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations from Brandeis University, complemented by study abroad experiences in the Netherlands and Thailand. Additionally, Saint Cyr has held various leadership roles in student government and community service initiatives, showcasing a passion for advocacy and support for refugee populations.
African Community Education
Worcester is one of the largest hubs in the country for African-born immigrants, with a population near 20,000. While some of these immigrants find socio-economic success upon moving to the United States, many others, including many refugees, do not. African Community Education assists African refugee and immigrant youth and families in achieving educational success and socio-economic stability through access to academic support, leadership development, cultural expression, and community outreach. We believe and invest in the transformative powers of education, mentorship, and access to opportunities. Through impactful programming and relationship building, we provide what kids and families need to succeed - the knowledge people are in their corner, eye-opening experiences, and the creativity to imagine a brighter future. For youth ages 10 and up, ACE hosts After School, Saturday, Mentoring, Summer Reading, and Workforce Development Programs. Through these programs, ACE provides access to tutoring, supplemental classroom time, experiential learning activities, and one-on-one mentoring which help students succeed academically. ACE also serves as a liaison between the student, family, and local public schools to ensure each student’s home and school lives provide environments for success. For parents of our students, ACE provides English as Second Language and Citizenship classes as part of our Family Education Program along with wraparound outreach services to help families access needed services and benefits. Through this work, we have changed the lives of thousands of African refugees and immigrants.