Facts & Figures
At Healing Hands Refugee Resource, we believe that education and language access are not luxuries—they are fundamental human rights that every individual deserves, regardless of their background or displacement status. The global refugee crisis has left millions without access to basic resources, including literacy education, job training, and language support. These barriers can persist for years, even after resettlement, limiting opportunities for meaningful integration and self-sufficiency. The following data highlights the scope of these challenges and underscores why our mission—to empower displaced individuals through language, literacy, and cultural connection—is not only timely, but essential.
The Global Refugee Crisis
Today, more people are displaced than at any time in recorded history.
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Over 114 million people have been forcibly displaced worldwide (UNHCR, 2024).
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Of those, 36.4 million are officially recognized as refugees.
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The top five countries of origin are Syria, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Venezuela, and Sudan.
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On average, refugees remain displaced for over 10 years, often with limited access to education, healthcare, or employment.
These numbers reflect real people — families, students, professionals — all navigating an uncertain future.
For many refugees, resettlement is only the beginning of a new set of challenges.
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Only 68% of refugee children are enrolled in primary school.
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Less than 6% access higher education opportunities.
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In the United States, 46% of adult refugees have limited English proficiency.
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Language barriers often contribute to higher unemployment rates and underemployment, even among those with degrees or work experience.
Without access to education and language support, talented and motivated individuals face systemic barriers to integration and independence.
Barriers Refugees Face
Literacy & Language Access
Language skills are key to rebuilding lives. Yet for many displaced individuals, formal education has been interrupted for years — sometimes decades.
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The global adult literacy rate is 87%, but this drops significantly in conflict zones.
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Refugee girls face even greater obstacles: Only 64% complete primary school.
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In the U.S., 1 in 5 adults struggles with basic literacy skills.
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English proficiency is one of the strongest predictors of refugee employment, civic participation, and long-term success.
Our mission directly addresses this need by offering one-on-one English tutoring, resume workshops, and culturally sensitive support for learners from all backgrounds.
Why It Matters
At first glance, statistics can feel distant—but behind every number is a person: a child eager to learn, a mother trying to navigate a new country, or a father searching for work in a language he doesn’t speak. These stories are not rare—they represent the lived experience of millions of displaced individuals around the world. The barriers they face are not just geographic or political—they are educational, linguistic, and systemic.
Without access to language education and literacy resources, refugees are often locked out of the most basic opportunities for survival and growth: enrolling in school, applying for jobs, accessing healthcare, or even understanding their rights. For many, years go by without meaningful support. The result is generational harm—where children grow up without learning to read and adults remain isolated from the communities they live in.
Healing Hands Refugee Resource exists to change that. By offering free, culturally-sensitive tutoring and mentorship, we help bridge the gap between displacement and belonging. We believe that by equipping individuals with language and literacy skills, we unlock the door to dignity, agency, and hope. The numbers below are not just statistics—they are a call to action.