Santa Bir soon realized that living in the area is a group of elderly Bhutanese folks who do not have English skills at such a high level as he has been able to acquire. They have been resettled in Newport News within the past year. To enable them to get along better in Virginia, Santa Bir organized an English class. The class of 15 elderly refugees includes his own parents.

I first learned of this class when Santa Bir called me to ask for some instructional books. I visited the class, which is held in an apartment located within easy walking distance of all the students. I found an orderly situation in which he had grouped his students by skill level. He had one group sitting at the kitchen table and another group gathered around the coffee table in the living room. They had notebooks and pencils, and he was taking roll. They all introduced themselves to me in English while smiling politely.

Santa Bir works a full shift at Canon and then comes home to teach his students. He plans and teaches the lessons for two hours on six days per week. He gives homework and grades the papers for his students. Driven by his own need to help, there is no motive other than his deep desire to help these newcomers have a better life in America. He has asked for very little in terms of supplies or support from our organization.

Because of his wonderful work, Hampton Roads Refugee and Immigration Services nominated Santa Bir for the WAVY-TV "Ten Who Care" award. And, yes, he was selected. On November 19, he and eight of his friends and family will attend a luncheon at the Hampton Conference Center. There, he will give a brief description of his award-winning volunteer work.

Best wishes to you, Santa Bir, as you continue to volunteer in this meaningful way.

Suzi Smith is Education Coordinator for Refugee and Immigration Services in Hampton