When you ask Rachid why he left Algeria for the United States he says, “more challenge, learn different cultures and study more.” Rachid certainly does love to learn. He just completed a master’s degree in management when he won the visa lottery to come to the U.S. Now that he’s here, Rachid wants to get a degree in information technology. First, he must improve his English.
His first job in the U.S. was at a Dunkin’ Donuts. All of his co-workers spoke Arabic, which made it easier to get hired, but didn’t give him much opportunity to practice English. Rachid left that job to work at Target where everyone speaks English.
Everything in life improves as his English improves. According to Rachid, “The ILC helps a lot. Too many things before I cannot do.” He needed to find a new place to live and discovered that moving to his second apartment was much easier than the first because he could communicate better. In July, he was in an accident that totaled his car. He was able to get assistance from his insurance company and buy a new car in English.
All of this is possible because of your support. From the improvement in day-to-day quality of life to achieving his educational and employment goals, you make a difference to Rachid.
With thanks,
Diane Portnoy
Founder and CEO
The Immigrant Learning Center, Inc.
Thank You!
Countless supporters help The ILC give immigrants a voice. Here is a heartfelt thank you for recent acts of kindness:
Stacey Gilchrist and Mark Correia for collectively raising more than $1,000 from Facebook birthday fundraisers.
The ILC Director of Development and Assistant Director Kathy Smith for 20 years of giving immigrants a voice. Enjoy your well-deserved retirement, and thank you for your continued support as a member of the board of trustees.
Literacy Texas for inviting The ILC Public Education Institute Director Denzil Mohammed to speak to adult educators about immigrants and their contributions in Texas and taking back the immigration narrative at their annual August conference.
About Us
The Immigrant Learning Center, Inc. (ILC) of Malden, MA, is a not-for-profit organization that gives immigrants a voice in three ways. The English Language Program provides free, year-round English classes to immigrant and refugee adults in Greater Boston to help them become successful workers, parents and community members. The Public Education Institute informs Americans about the economic and social contributions of immigrants in our society, and the Institute for Immigration Research, a joint venture with George Mason University, conducts research on the economic contributions of immigrants. For more information, visit the website at www.ilctr.org or Facebook page ImmigrantLearningCenter.