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9 Things ELC Staff Have Learned During COVID-19

It's old news by now that COVID-19 has thrown most of our worlds upside down, as we scramble to meet needs during a global pandemic and create a new sense of normalcy. In the midst of what can feel like chaos, however, there's also an opportunity to learn. And...

9 Things ELC Staff Have Learned During COVID-19

It’s old news by now that COVID-19 has thrown most of our worlds upside down, as we scramble to meet needs during a global pandemic and create a new sense of normalcy. In the midst of what can feel like chaos, however, there’s also an opportunity to learn. And learning is what we do best

Halima Takes Learning Online

Halima started as a student at the ELC in February 2020, taking English, math, and citizenship classes. Since then, she’s advanced an entire English level. We asked her how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted her life and learning. Here’s what she had to say: How has the pandemic affected you and your daily life? Right

Forging New Paths as the ELC Goes the Distance

When COVID-19 Hit On the afternoon of Friday, March 13th, I [Jenne, ELC Program Co-director] was taking a walk with my dog while on a conference call with Jennifer, ELC Program Co-director, and David, OSCS Interim Executive Director. We had just decided to close the ELC because of the looming threat of COVID-19. I cried

Kamar Feels Free at Last

Kamar Returns to School Kamar is no stranger to the ELC. She first came to study English in 2011, shortly after arriving in Minnesota with refugee status from Somalia. Then, many years later, Kamar returned to school because she had a new goal—to become a United States citizen. She knew the ELC could help her

Ferhan Is Redefining Limits

As a child growing up in Somalia, Ferhan says he was “an ordinary kid,” going to school and doing “regular things.” Then, when he was just 15 years old, his life changed forever. “My school was attacked [during the war]. I was injured. This changed my perspective on life. My priority became my health. And

Khadra Discovers Her Independence

At 25 years old, Khadra left her home in Somalia, seeking safety and better access to medical care. Her options in Somalia were limited. “I stayed at home mostly. For one, I’m disabled, and people tried to limit my ability. Two, there was a war going on, and I was only concerned for my safety.”