Meet our student Abdifatah from Somalia, and learn about how he reached his goal to communicate in English with confidence.

Abdifatah is a friendly and energetic man who has traveled to and lived in many countries in Africa before establishing a permanent home in Buffalo. He and his wife have 5 children and all have become integrated citizens of the U.S. Although his early education in Somalia included English language learning, his use of the language was “totally different” from what he experienced when he arrived in America. Abdifatah was motivated to learn how to communicate comfortably in his new country and found his way to Literacy Buffalo Niagara to support his efforts.

Abdifatah’s background includes leaving his native Somalia as a young man due to “the chaos and lack of order” he observed in the society. As an intelligent and ambitious person, he was determined to settle somewhere where he could enjoy “free movement and opportunities for a good life.” He continued to study and work as he made his way from Somalia to Kenya and Uganda. As an asylum seeker, he had the opportunity to come to the U.S. in 2015 along with his wife and two young sons.

When he first arrived here, understanding and speaking English clearly was difficult, despite previous study of the language. With a growing family, balancing work and further education was challenging. He wanted – and felt he needed – to improve his pronunciation and ability to understand English conversation. Several people who had also come from Africa suggested watching English language movies, but Abdifatah found these to be of limited benefit. Someone at the Information Desk of the Central Library suggested he contacted Literacy Buffalo Niagara and a new chapter began.

“Abdifatah credits the one-to-one work with his Literacy tutor as a major change in his ability to understand and converse with confidence in his new country.”

He believes the program has helped him “a LOT” and is very important for anyone hoping to become a full participant in the U.S.

Now pursuing a master’s degree in Public Administration, Abdifatah hopes to assist African people coming to the U.S. to coordinate necessary services and support their adjustment to a new country and culture. He sees himself as directing a not-for-profit organization, much as he received that kind of help when he arrived here.

 

Meet our students Lily & Evan, a couple from Beijing who have both been working with LBN’s tutors to improve their English-speaking skills.

Traveling over 6,000 miles across the world to live in a new country with a different language, customs, and way of life is a daunting task. That’s just what Lily and Evan decided to do when their son was very young. Having experienced a highly competitive and stressful educational system themselves, they wanted to provide their only child with more opportunities for an enjoyable school experience. This was the beginning of a long but successful process to emigrate to the U.S. in 2021.

Both grew up in the capitol city of Beijing where they achieved university degrees and professional occupations — Lily as an accountant and Evan in computer sales. They chose to settle in the Buffalo area to join relatives who lived here.

Lily and Evan learned to read English in China, believing it to be a “world language,” but understanding speech in English was not something either felt comfortable with. A friend told them about a program to help them learn conversational English: Literacy Buffalo Niagara.

“Evan and Lily believe that Western education and the ability to learn good English skills has provided many opportunities for their family.”

Both students agree that their limited communication in English was the most challenging part of moving to America. Evan describes feeling “shame” about speaking English even though he could read the language well. He finds tutoring very helpful and receives a lot of encouragement from his tutor. He is no longer nervous about talking with strangers and has more “confidence and courage” in using his English. Evan is an active and energetic man who enjoys pickleball and cycling for recreation.

Lily is a reserved woman who is less inclined to talk with strangers than her husband. She has also found her tutor to be a great source of help and encouragement, and enjoys completing her assigned homework to practice the new skills she’s learning to use. Lily “can now speak English to others where before I could only read.” She wants to continue studying and watches many shows on PBS to help further her understanding of spoken English. As an avid reader in several languages, Lily has hopes of working in a local library when she is more confident speaking English.

Lily and Evan are very happy with their decision to move to the U.S. Their son is a successful university student and they enjoy comfortable living conditions here. They believe that Western education and the ability to learn good English skills has provided many opportunities for their family. They even decided that Evan’s parents should come to live with them in Buffalo, which makes the feeling of “being home” even stronger. LBN has been a positive support as they build a successful and prosperous life here.

 

In this interview, meet our student Dina and learn about her experience in the ESL tutoring program!

Can you tell me a little about yourself?

I came to the United States in 2009 to escape many different circumstances. I lost my job in my home country due to the war in Sudan. Coming to the U.S. was so that I could make a better life for myself and my family.

What made you decide to join the English Language program?

My journey started as soon as I came to the U.S. I tried many different ESL programs, however LBN was the best fit for me. The program was compassionate and small, so it was easy for me to learn.

What is the most difficult thing about living in America and not speaking a lot of English?

Everything! From trying to find work, to helping my children in school. Not knowing English meant I couldn’t successfully navigate my new life.

How do you feel about the ESL program so far?

I love being in the program because I’ve learned so much. I understand much better and can actually enjoy my freedom here.

What has been the hardest part of learning?

English has a lot of words that mean many different things. Learning that everything has so many different meanings in my home country’s language is hardest!

Can you share a time when you felt proud of yourself?

Passing the GED, becoming a U.S. citizen — these things made me feel proud. These things make me want to do more.

How has learning English helped you in daily life?

I have success now. I can work, help my children, and do things I never thought I could.

What is something you can do now that was hard before?

Now I can speak and have fluent conversations in English.

Who has helped or encouraged you on this journey?

My family!

What do you hope to do next with your new skills?

Continue to improve and get a better job. I also want to go back to school.

What would you say to someone thinking about joining a program like this?

Do it! I want to thank the program and my tutor Kate. Because of my amazing tutor and LBN’s program, I have been able to accomplish my dreams here in the United States.