New School Year, New Dreams at GVP
by Luisa Martins | August 28, 2025
The start of a new school year always brings fresh energy to Global Village Project, and this August is no exception. Our classrooms are alive with the voices of 46 refugee girls, each carrying with her a story, a culture, and a dream.
This year, our students represent 12 countries—from Afghanistan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to Syria, Guatemala, and more—and together, they speak at least 9 languages. With an average age of 13, six sets of sisters, and two sets of cousins, our student body is truly a community. Every girl tells a story of resilience and connection, and together they create a powerful Village.
Power in Every Refugee Girl
Our theme for this school year is Power in Every Refugee Girl. At GVP, we believe that when refugee girls are given the chance to learn, they don’t just catch up but they grow, they achieve their full potential, and they become leaders.
As we start a new school year, we are ready to witness the magic of walking alongside our students on their journeys. We begin by remembering that they are powerful and that their dreams are big. At GVP, girls dare to dream boldly, and we watch with pride as they begin to turn those dreams into power in their own hands.
The power of education begins with possibility. Every lesson, every project, and every step of her journey at GVP strengthens the courage it takes to imagine becoming a teacher, a scientist, an artist, or a leader in her community. And our students do.
Welcoming New Faces to the Village
As we celebrate our students, we also celebrate the teachers and staff who walk beside them. This year, we are thrilled to welcome two new teachers and a new teaching assistant, who also happens to be a proud GVP alumna! Her return is a reminder that dreams that start here take roots and grow into reality. Our students see in her a reflection of themselves and the possibilities that lie ahead.
Meet Our New Staff
Meh Sod, Teaching Assistant (GVP Alumni)
A former GVP student, Meh Sod grew up in the Mae La Refugee Camp in Thailand before resettling in the U.S. She earned a BA in English–Creative Writing from Agnes Scott College and a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Northern Colorado. She is excited to return to GVP for this new journey.
“Many stories here will be similar to mine, filled with resilience and hope.”
Nazrene Alsiro, Science Teacher
Nazrene brings a cross-cultural perspective as the daughter of Palestinian and Filipino parents, with deep family ties to refugee experiences. She blends creativity and science to spark curiosity in her students, and beyond teaching, she is also a socially engaged artist and community advocate.
”I am excited to be at GVP. I hope to spark curiosity and imagination, where science and art become pathways to wonder and discovery.”
Charley Alexander, ELA Teacher
Charley studied Sociology at Kennesaw State University before serving as a teacher with AmeriCorps, working with students from Africa, the Caribbean, and Central America. She went on to earn a master’s degree in TESOL from Asbury University. Outside of teaching, she enjoys trying new foods and exploring the fine arts.
“I am excited to be working for GVP because my experience teaching has shown me how powerful education can be in building confidence and creating opportunities. I am honored to join GVP’s mission in amplifying the voices of young women and providing them with the equitable, holistic education they deserve to thrive.”
With every new school year, we are reminded that the Village is growing: stronger, brighter, and more connected. Together, with your support, we’ll make sure that every refugee girl at GVP has the education, community, and encouragement she needs to pursue her dreams.
