Former Refugee and PLD Graduate gets a surprise from his ‘Moms’
Raphael Mokombo was surprised with a new car to help him attend college
ESL students welcome Raphael back to Dunbar by presenting him with a new car
Former Dunbar ESL student, Raphael Mokombo, knew he was being taken back to Dunbar, but he had no idea what was in store for him when he arrived in the school parking lot on Sept. 22. Currently enrolled at BCTC as a freshman, Mokombo simply believed that he was returning to get paperwork for college. But Mrs. Cathy Yaun, who was an ESL teacher at Dunbar, arranged a special surprise with his former teachers and peers.
Mrs. Yaun formed a special relationship with Mokombo when he arrived at Dunbar in 2014 as a refugee from the Congo.
“When he first came here, he had sandals that were too small. Winter was coming, and I had to help him,” she said. “From that day on he called me ‘mom.'”
Mrs. Cathy Yaun cries as she sees Raphael beaming at his new car
As one of Mokombo’s school “moms,” Mrs. Yaun said that she found herself looking out for him as she did her own sons. Her dedication to him extended beyond both of them leaving PLD. Mokombo graduated in 2014 and Mrs. Yaun moved to Tennessee, but they reunited today at Dunbar because she found that he needed help.
Mrs. Yaun learned that Mokombo has to leave his dorm hours prior to class to allow for walking time. As a child, escaping the war in the Congo, he suffered from a stroke that caused his legs to grow different lengths. Long distances are hard for him to walk as it irritates his hip, but he didn’t have a car of his own to use as transportation.
Mrs. Yaun created a GoFundMe page to raise money to purchase a car for him, and when that goal was met, she purchased a new Honda Accord that was delivered to him today.
“With a car and a handicap tag, transportation to school is much more accessible for him, and that’s what we want for him,” she said.
Mokombo was immediately brought to tears. “I was excited to see everyone again, but what I found was beyond my imagination. I didn’t expect this and I am still surprised,” he said. “This is a dream come true.”
Raphael cries after seeing the car that his Dunbar family purchased for him
Chris • Sep 24, 2016 at 11:10 AM
Thank you for sharing that story
Chris • Sep 24, 2016 at 11:09 AM
Wonderful , tears of joy .
Carrie • Sep 23, 2016 at 2:14 PM
Raphael was in my ESL class at KY Refugee Ministries just days after his arrival from the DRC. He was a joy to have and brought light to the office every time he entered. I remember how excited he was when he enrolled at Dunbar. Thank you PLD teachers and students for this blessing!
Dabney Parker • Sep 22, 2016 at 11:14 PM
As staff at KY Refugee Ministries…..we welcome many folks each year. Raphael is a fine young man, whom I greatly admire. He has demonstrated a wonderful spirit. It truly takes a village and we are glad that the PLD family and Cathy Yaun is part of his!
Rachel • Sep 22, 2016 at 10:10 PM
Cathy, you are amazing! Loved reading this story❤️
Amanda Holt • Sep 22, 2016 at 9:11 PM
What an incredible story! Dunbar is a special place!
Toni Carter • Sep 22, 2016 at 8:03 PM
Absolutely wonderful journalism about a very special “story” and the power of many making a difference for one!
Bruce Isaac • Sep 22, 2016 at 6:02 PM
Beautiful story!
Brayan Diaz • Sep 22, 2016 at 5:00 PM
I love Mrs. Yaun she helped me through a lot when I first came to this country trying To learn English as a second language and it makes me so proud to know that she is still out there helping others who need it .. love you Mrs. Cathy Yaun.
Tim Kimball • Sep 22, 2016 at 4:09 PM
Cathy Yaun is such a kind soul . There’s a special place for you my dear .