WEST BLOOMFIELD — Melody Arabo, a Chaldean American who was named Michigan Teacher of the Year in May, is giving back to her community overseas through the charitable group she started, Teachers Educating And Creating Hope (TEACH). The group is making a difference in the lives of Iraqi Christian children who were forced to flee their homes this summer, after the terrorist group ISIS gained a stronghold in Mosul, Iraq. Members of TEACH are comprised of Chaldean American teachers from metro Detroit. 

Christians living in the ancient city were forced to convert to Islam, pay a special tax, flee or be killed. Today most Iraqi Christians who were given the ultimatum by ISIS are living in Erbil, the capital of Kurdistan. Most of the children who fled Mosul in July have not attended school for months. 

Arabo, a West Bloomfield resident, is an instructional coach for Walled Lake Consolidated Schools. 

TEACH is teaming up with the Michigan Reading Association, which selected the group as part of its international project for the school year. The two organizations are collecting school supplies including paper, pencils, crayons, markers, coloring books, puzzles and non-operated toys for children. The group is also trying to improve literacy efforts among children in Iraq. TEACH also launched a coat drive at several schools in metro Detroit to benefit Iraqi refugees. East Middle school in Farmington Hills collected more than $1,200 and purchased 50 brand new coats from Costco to sent to Iraq. Similar efforts were launched at other schools through the work of TEACH members.

If you’re interested in donating to the group, send supplies to the Chaldean American Ladies of Charity, 2033 Austin Drive, Troy, MI 48083. To make a financial contribution, visit www.helpiraq.org.