By Sondra Rodriguez, Page Editor

ACU for the International Rescue Committee treated local refugees to a free showing of Sing Song on Thursday night, exposing natives of Burundi, Cuba, Nepal and Bhutan to a snippet of Abilene life and an entertaining show.

The IRC is a non-government organization working to resettle refugees from across the globe, said Caron Gentry, professor of political science and ACU for IRC adviser.

The IRC came to Abilene from Dallas about five years ago and has been working with ACU’s Volunteer Service-Learning Center for about four and a half years.

“It’s an incredible opportunity for our students to be aware of the refugees here and what they face when they come to the U.S.,” Gentry said.

This is the second year ACU for IRC has taken a group to see Sing Song.

Madison Sanuik, senior political science major from Arlington and president of ACU for IRC, said along with the Sing Song directors who allow charitable groups to see the show for free, students play an important role to make this happen.

“They can serve as drivers, sit with them and explain what is going on or just interact with them,” she said. “It’s a lot of fun and puts a face to this global issue.”

Because many refugees do not speak English and live at or very close to the poverty line, they rarely leave the company of their families at home.

Chelsea Hackney, junior political science major from Midlothian and communication director for ACU for IRC, said it is a great experience.

“This is a chance for them to get out in the community and be with people other than just their families,” she said. “It breaks them out of that routine.”

Hackney said she is glad ACU has continued to create this opportunity.

“We have a lot of students who work with the IRC, but this is one event where the actual administration gets involved,” she said. “It’s giving them a chance to get out and share the experience.”

Sanuik agreed and said because of the solid partnerships with the Abilene IRC and Sing Song offices, the event should continue.

“It’s really beneficial to do something for the refugees,” she said. “They’re working to become self-sufficient very quickly, and it’s great to be able to do something for them when they’re working so hard.”