🌍 Community Service · Houston, TX

Learning together.
Growing together.

Tutoring, English conversation practice, and homework help — offered by Aria directly to newcomer and refugee students in the Houston community.

Free
Always & Forever
Virtual
Join from Anywhere
Ages 5–14
Students Welcome
A Message from Aria
👧🏽

"I know what it feels like to watch someone struggle just because they don't yet have the words. I want to help change that — one student at a time."

Hi! I'm Aria — I'm 11 years old and I go to The Village School in Houston, an international school where students come from countries all over the world. I wrote a book about inclusion and built a translation tool because I believe every child deserves to feel understood. But I also believe in showing up in person — or at least on screen.

At The Village School, I serve as a Cultural Acclimation Leader — which means I'm one of the students responsible for helping new international students feel welcome, find their footing, and navigate life in a new country and a new school. I've sat with students who didn't speak much English yet, helped them understand how things work, and made sure they knew they had a friend. That experience showed me that belonging isn't just about being in the room — it's about being seen, heard, and supported.

Those same skills are exactly what I bring to these community programs. Whether you're a student still finding your English words, or a parent trying to understand a letter from your child's school — I've been in rooms like that, and I know what it feels like to be the person helping bridge that gap. I want to do the same for you.

So I'm offering three free programs to newcomer and refugee students in Houston. Whether you need help with your English, your homework, or understanding documents — I'm here. My mom will be with me at all sessions, and everything is completely safe, free, and done with love.

No experience needed. No cost. No catch. Just learning together.

Aria Kottaka Raj Age 11 · Published Author · Creator of CultureReads · The Village School, Houston TX
🌟 Phase 1 — Now Open
Free Programs

Three ways Aria can help

All programs are free, virtual, and designed specifically for newcomer and refugee students who are building their English skills and finding their feet in a new country.

🤝
For Students · Ages 8–14
English Buddy Program

One-on-one or small group conversational English sessions with Aria. No tests, no pressure — just friendly conversation to build confidence in speaking and listening.

  • 📅Weekly sessions, 30 minutes each
  • 💻Virtual via Google Meet (parent/guardian present)
  • 👥1-on-1 or small groups of up to 3 students
  • 🗣️Topics: school vocabulary, making friends, asking for help, daily conversations
  • 🌍CultureReads used live during sessions to bridge languages
  • 💰Completely free — always
Join English Buddy →
📝
For Elementary Students · Ages 5–10
Homework Help Hours

Weekly Saturday morning drop-in sessions where students can bring any homework question — math, reading, writing, science, or anything school-related.

  • 📅Every Saturday, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM (Houston time)
  • 💻Virtual drop-in — no appointment needed
  • 📚Subjects: Math, Reading, Writing, Science, General
  • 👥Open to all — first come, first helped
  • 🧮Aria specialises in Math — currently taking Algebra 1
  • 💰Completely free — always
Join Homework Help →
🌐
For Families · All Ages
Parent Translation Workshops

Monthly workshops where Aria shows families how to use CultureReads to understand school letters, medical forms, and official documents — in their own language.

  • 📅Monthly — last Saturday of each month, 10:00 AM
  • 💻Virtual — join from any device
  • 🌍30+ languages supported via CultureReads
  • 📄Bring any document — school letters, medical forms, notices
  • 🤝In partnership with local refugee organisations
  • 💰Completely free — always
Join a Workshop →
How It Works

Getting started is simple

Four easy steps — from sign-up to your first session. No complicated process, no paperwork, no cost.

1
📋
Fill in the form

Tell us your name, age, what program you're interested in, and a little about your learning goals.

2
📬
Hear from Aria

Aria (with her mom's help) will reply within 2–3 days to confirm your spot and share the session link.

3
💻
Join your session

Click the Google Meet link at your scheduled time. A parent or guardian should be present for the first session.

4
🌟
Keep growing

Regular sessions, friendly encouragement, and real progress — at your own pace, in a safe and welcoming space.

Who Can Join

These programs are for you

Aria's programs are designed specifically for newcomer and refugee students and families. Here's what to know before signing up.

✅ Who these programs are for

  • 👦Students aged 8–14 who are newcomers, refugees, or immigrants building English skills
  • 🏠Families recently arrived in the Houston area navigating a new language and culture
  • 📚Students who need homework help but don't have access to tutoring
  • 👪Parents who receive school or government letters they can't fully understand
  • 🌍Students from any country, any language background, any faith or culture

📋 What you need to join

  • 💻A phone, tablet, or computer with a camera and internet connection
  • 👤A parent or guardian present for the first session (and encouraged for all sessions)
  • 📧An email address to receive session details
  • Nothing else — no experience, no materials, no cost required
💛 Spots are limited to ensure Aria can give every student her full attention. Sign up early to secure your place!
Sign Up

Ready to get started?

🔒 Your information is kept private and never shared with third parties. Aria's mom will review every sign-up personally before getting in touch.

What's Coming Next

Phase 2 — Coming Soon

As Aria's community programs grow, more ways to get involved are on the way. Stay tuned — and sign up to hear first when they launch.

Coming Soon
📚
I.D.E.A Reading Circle

A monthly virtual book club for newcomer children — reading together, discussing ideas, and building English in a warm, welcoming group setting.

Coming Soon
✉️
Pen Pal Program

Matching newcomer students with Village School students for a structured monthly letter exchange — building English writing skills and cultural friendships.

Coming Soon
🏆
I.D.E.A Champions School Program

A 4-session programme Aria delivers to elementary school classes, covering one I.D.E.A concept per session — with activities and a pledge at the end.

Coming Soon
📖
Book Donation Drive

For every I.D.E.A Superstar book sold, one copy donated to a refugee family or newcomer student through Houston partner organisations.