Yasa Ahmed’s Journey: From GED to New Horizons

Yasa Ahmed’s story is one of determination, resilience, and the power of community support. Originally from Iraq, Yasa began her journey with Skyline Literacy in 2022, enrolling in individual tutoring to prepare for her GED (General Educational Development) exams. She started by focusing on English comprehension, followed by Social Studies, noting that Math and Science came more easily to her. With the guidance and dedication of her tutors, Chris Gingrich and Reta Finger, Yasa steadily built the knowledge and confidence needed to succeed.

In November, Yasa achieved her goal by passing all four GED subjects and proudly earned her High School Equivalency Diploma. She celebrated this milestone with gratitude, expressing heartfelt thanks to Skyline Literacy and her tutors for their unwavering commitment to her success. As an assistant teacher in the Harrisonburg City Schools, Yasa loves her work and now dreams of advancing her career by becoming a certified teacher. While she’s not ready to begin college just yet, Yasa is already exploring future opportunities, demonstrating her determination to keep learning and growing. Her story is an inspiration to all, showing that with hard work and the right support, dreams can become reality.

Volunteer Success Story: Jen Rafter

When Jen Rafter moved to Harrisonburg from Kansas, she sought connection and community in her new home. Having spent years volunteering with citizenship classes back in Kansas, she knew she wanted to continue helping others. After meeting Jorge from Skyline Literacy at a local event, she found the perfect opportunity to make a meaningful impact as a volunteer ESL teacher.

Jen's role at Skyline Literacy has been more than just teaching language. For her, it’s about empowering students to navigate their lives with confidence and connection. She recalls working with women juggling demanding jobs and family responsibilities who still made time to attend Monday evening classes. “Their resilience is truly humbling,” Jen shares. One of her favorite moments was helping her students overcome initial fears of using laptops. With patience and practice, those same students went from hesitation to excitement, confidently tackling each new task and asking, “What’s next?”

Beyond language lessons, Jen treasures the cultural exchanges that have enriched her time at Skyline Literacy. From sharing meals representing various global traditions to exchanging personal stories, Jen discovered the unifying power of shared experiences. She emphasizes how the support and camaraderie among volunteers and students make the experience deeply rewarding. “I’ve learned so much from my students. The connections we make are worth every moment.”

Jen encourages others to join Skyline Literacy’s mission, assuring prospective volunteers that qualifications or barriers shouldn’t hold them back. "You’ll have great support here, and the impact you make will inspire you every day,” she says. For Jen, being part of Skyline Literacy means being part of a community that’s building stronger futures—together.

Juana's Journey: A Story of Determination and Community

Juana came to the United States from Guatemala in 1993 with a big dream in her heart: to one day become a U.S. citizen. Despite the language barrier and the challenges of navigating a new country, her desire to learn English and become a citizen never wavered. However, as she settled into her new life, she found that everyday tasks were difficult without a strong grasp of English. Even making a simple doctor’s appointment or helping her son, who is deaf and mute, felt like monumental tasks.

For many years, Juana relied on others to interpret for her, feeling trapped by her limited language skills. But she knew she wanted more for herself and her family. One day, someone mentioned a place called Skyline Literacy, a community organization that offered classes to help people like her. Juana decided to visit, hoping to find the help she needed to achieve her dreams.

At Skyline Literacy, she enrolled in a citizenship class, driven by her goal to become a U.S. citizen. The teachers were kind and patient, helping her understand not just the questions for the citizenship test, but also the history and values of her new country. Her hard work paid off, and she proudly became a U.S. citizen.

But Juana didn’t stop there. She continued with English classes, recognizing that language skills would open even more doors for her. Slowly but surely, she started to see the difference. With each class, she gained confidence. The simple things she once struggled with—calling a doctor, filling out forms, or helping her son at the hospital—became more manageable. Her son, noticing her progress, once commented on her determination, calling her "intelligent" for pushing through, even when it was difficult.

Juana’s journey of learning didn’t end with citizenship and English. Her curiosity led her to ask about digital literacy, and she expressed a desire to learn about using the internet and sending emails. She laughed, admitting she felt too old to learn new technology, but her teachers at Skyline assured her that it was never too late.

Through Skyline Literacy, Juana not only learned language skills but also found a supportive community. She felt comfortable asking questions and making mistakes because she knew the teachers were there to guide her. She appreciated the opportunity to learn without financial barriers, understanding how critical that support was for others in similar situations.

Today, Juana is asource of hope for many. At her job and in her church, she encourages others to take advantage of Skyline Literacy’s programs. She shares her own story, urging them to push past their fears and embrace learning, no matter their age or background. Her message is clear: "It’s not just about dreaming; it’s about taking the steps to make those dreams a reality."

Juana's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of a supportive community. With Skyline Literacy, she found the tools to unlock her potential and the courage to help others along the way. Her story is one of transformation, not just in language skills, but in her newfound confidence and independence, which have made a world of difference in her life.

Esther Birungi’s Journey to U.S. Citizenship

Esther Birungi, a native of the Democratic Republic of Congo, recently achieved a significant milestone in her life. On September 10, 2024, she proudly passed the U.S. citizenship test, a moment that marked the culmination of her determination and hard work.

Esther’s journey with Skyline Literacy began in the spring of 2024 when she attended a few sessions of our citizenship preparation class. Life’s challenges briefly pulled her away, but her commitment to achieving her goal never wavered. Determined to succeed, Esther rejoined and completed our summer citizenship class, where she put in extra effort by attending both morning and evening sessions.

Her dedication and perseverance were inspiring to everyone in the class, including her tutors and classmates. Esther approached every lesson with the goal of mastering not only the material for the test but also the skills and knowledge needed to thrive as a new U.S. citizen. Her success is a testament to her resilience and the supportive learning environment she found in Skyline Literacy’s programs.

Esther’s story reminds us of the power of education and community in transforming lives. We are incredibly proud of her and excited to see the positive impact she will continue to have in her community as a U.S. citizen. Congratulations, Esther!

Embracing Life in the U.S.

Roberto and Ana Rosa, originally from Cuba, arrived in the United States in 2021. Roberto is an independent journalist by profession and Ana Rosa is a psychologist. Roberto was a political prisoner and obtained a visa to move to the United States. His dreams were to join his children who already reside in this country.

In their 60s, they state that “We arrived at an age, our expectations were to live in peace and live with our children.” They found out about English classes through a friend who had taken classes at Skyline Literacy. “Our motivation to learn English was to insert ourselves more easily into American society, and interact with the natives of this country”

“Our challenges arise when we want to communicate. I remember we had an appointment at the free health clinic. The Uber driver did not speak Spanish, and I felt very frustrated. Because of the wait and communication, it took us 1 hour to get to the appointment. “I have to learn to be able to communicate, to go to a pharmacy. Just practicing “I don't speak English” took time.

With English literacy classes on the horizon, now after two semesters, we make ourselves understood. Together we now understand a large part and manage to communicate in complete sentences. No we do not feel stressed when we go out and interact not only with native speakers, but also with other people from different cultures and other parts of the world here in Harrisonburg.

In our English classes, our teachers are volunteers, very good people, very humane and warm in their treatment of their students, they are interested in our culture.

“Our Digital Literacy classes. At 60 years old, we are not exactly in the digital area, at first we had resistance because it was new content and all in English. But the classes were taught clearly. The teacher was prepared and organized.”

They both earned the Northstar Basic Computer class certificate. They feel confident in operating their computer. Roberto has a blog where he would like to continue learning about how to manage it without the help of his son and publish articles about culture and music. Rosa, is happy that you can now fill out health forms on your own; She is also a member of the International Women's Day committee in Harrisonburg. Rosa & Roberto are also members of JMU's Long Life Learning Institute. He concludes, learning English and Digital Literacy is a process, we feel connected and appreciated.

A Proud New U.S. Citizen

Maria Martina Nolasco sworn on in today March 23. Maria is an entrepreneur owner of a local restaurant and an active community member in Harrisonburg. She thanks Skyline for her achievement.

Join us in congratulating Maria on this momentous occasion! Her dedication and perseverance are truly inspiring, and we're honored to have played a part in her journey to citizenship. Here's to Maria and the countless opportunities that lie ahead as a proud citizen of the United States!

Student Spotlight - Nadia

Nadia, a woman in her late thirties from Iraq, entered our English language class eager to learn. Hailing from a village where education was scarce, Nadia lacked basic literacy skills in her native language.

Facing the challenge of writing the alphabet, Nadia remained determined to learn, despite initial difficulties. Through our English classes, she found joy and empowerment in navigating daily life.

With each session, Nadia's resolve strengthened. With the guidance of patient instructors and supportive classmates, she gradually grasped the English language. Small achievements, such as forming letters and constructing basic sentences, filled her with pride and spurred her onward.

Nadia harbored a deep desire to become a United States citizen. Equipped with her newfound language skills, she embarked on the journey of completing her citizenship application.

During her citizenship interview, Nadia confidently articulated her thoughts, earning her certificate of citizenship with pride. Returning to her village in Iraq, Nadia shared her journey, offering hope to those facing similar struggles.

Nadia's story stands as a testament to resilience, proving that with determination, obstacles can be overcome. From struggling with the alphabet to achieving citizenship, Nadia's journey exemplifies unwavering courage and resilience. As she embraces the opportunities of her newfound status, Nadia's journey continues, guided by her indomitable spirit.

Congratulate a new U.S. Citizen - Ana Fajardo

We are thrilled to share the exciting news that one of our students who completed the U.S. Citizenship class, Ana Fajardo, has officially become a United States citizen!

Ana Fajardo's journey with us at Skyline Literacy showcased her dedication, determination, and a passion for learning. We couldn't be prouder of Ana and the significant milestone she has achieved. This moment not only highlights her personal triumph but also underscores the impact of education and community support.

Wishing Ana continued success and fulfillment in all her future endeavors as a proud U.S. citizen!

Learn more about our U.S. Citizenship Preparation class by clicking the button below.

Adam's Journey to Citizenship: A Skyline Literacy Success Story

Adam, a determined individual from Sudan, arrived in Harrisonburg in 2017, seeking to build a new life for himself and his family. As a truck driver with a desire to become a U.S. citizen, Adam's path led him to Skyline Literacy, where he studied as part of the citizenship preparation class.

Having been with Skyline Literacy for just a month, Adam began studying in the Citizenship Class, gearing up for the crucial citizenship exam that would begin the way for his American dream. Upon discovering Skyline Literacy through a friend's recommendation, he recognized the value of the program in helping him navigate the complexities of the citizenship process.

Adam's determination to become a U.S. citizen was fueled by his goal to secure a brighter future for his family and himself. Recognizing the invaluable opportunities that citizenship could bring, he embraced the educational journey, confident that these skills would open doors to better employment prospects and enhanced community involvement.

Throughout his time with Skyline Literacy, Adam found joy in every aspect of the program, praising the dedicated teachers, tutors, and staff who provided support and guidance. The materials, including books and relevant YouTube resources, enriched his learning experience and equipped him with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in his citizenship endeavors.

Expressing his gratitude, Adam extends his thanks to the Skyline Literacy community for playing an instrumental role in his pursuit of U.S. citizenship. He became a U.S. Citizen on December 21st, 2022. With his goals firmly within reach, he eagerly anticipates the possibility of taking English classes in the future, confident that Skyline Literacy will continue to be a beacon of support and empowerment. 

Adam's resounding endorsement of Skyline Literacy serves as a testament to the organization's commitment to fostering education, empowerment, and community integration. His journey shows the transformative impact that educational initiatives can have on individuals and families, showcasing the profound difference that organizations like Skyline Literacy can make in the lives of those they serve.

A New U.S. Citizen!

We are thrilled to share some amazing news about our student, Blanca Alas Alfaro!

On Friday, September 29th, Blanca reached a significant milestone in her journey towards becoming a United States citizen. She attended her Oath Ceremony and officially became a U.S. citizen!

Originally from El Salvador, Blanca has shown immense dedication and determination throughout her journey. In this special moment, Blanca wants to express her gratitude to Skyline for the incredible support and assistance they provided throughout her journey.

Let's join hands and congratulate Blanca on this remarkable achievement! Your hard work and perseverance are truly inspiring, and your new citizenship is well-deserved. We're so proud of you, Blanca!