Ahmed learns English to find work and support his family

Ahmed is a student in Avivo’s ESL program, which helps new Americans learn English to find full-time employment. He is a proud father and is working with Avivo to find employment that supports his family and allows him to help fellow immigrants find success living in the United States.

“I want to be a translator for my people,” says Ahmed. “I remember when I came here. I liked the person who helped me and my family. I remembered that situation so that I can help when new people come to the United States.”

“I want to be a translator for my people,” says Ahmed. “I remember when I came here. I liked the person who helped me and my family. I remembered that situation so that I can help when new people come to the United States.”

Before Ahmed and his family moved to the United States, they lived in Somalia and Ethiopia. Ahmed entered Avivo’s ESL program and now he’s ready to find a job that allows him to give back.

“Ahmed definitely has the personality type for a job involving people,” shares Cora, one of Avivo’s ESL instructors. Ahmed is known to his fellow ESL students as “adeer (pronounced ah-dare),” which means “uncle” in Somali.

“He’s added energy and spirit to the classroom from the start,” says Cora. “That’s why everyone in the classroom knows him as adeer… He provides the classroom with jokes, sarcasm, and positivity.”

Cora has seen Ahmed’s personality shine when he’s helping his fellow students. “He often repeats our classroom instructions in Somali for newer students,” she says. “It’s inspiring to the other students to see his success.”

“I could work for Hennepin County, for our public schools, or for hospitals … I just want to help the new people in America.”

Ahmed is looking for employment now and says he wants to help wherever he can. “I could work for Hennepin County, for our public schools, or for hospitals … I just want to help the new people in America.”

Avivo is the largest provider of career services for MFIP participants across the state of Minnesota, serving nearly 10,000 participants and their families every year. Avivo’s ESL program was developed to help prepare immigrants Avivo serves for increased success in the workplace.