Kiran came to the United States with her husband in April 2023 from her home country, Nepal, with a goal.
“I always knew that I wanted to be a cosmetologist. As a young woman in Nepal, I styled hair for my family, neighbors, and colleagues,” says Kiran.
By August, she had started taking beauty classes at the New Castle Beauty Academy, but Kiran faced a challenge.
“I already spoke English, but I quickly realized that I needed help to improve my fluency,” she explains.
Kiran’s husband referred her to Literacy Pittsburgh. A fellow beauty student also told her how Literacy Pittsburgh had helped them learn English. Kiran headed to Literacy Pittsburgh’s office within PA CareerLink® at the Beaver Valley Mall.
Kiran was paired with a volunteer tutor, Dr. Heidi Stark, who became a pillar of support while Kiran balanced learning her cosmetology fundamentals and studying English simultaneously. Kiran’s hard work paid off this past fall when she graduated from her cosmetology program. Now, Kiran is ready to find a job as a hairstylist and open her own salon.
“My tutor cares about me,” says Kiran, “She gave me the strength to continue cosmetology school even when it was hard.”
Kiran’s experience at Literacy Pittsburgh has given her the confidence to trust in her ability to be successful and reach her goal. She also hopes to return to school to obtain a degree in social work so she can help women and children facing poverty or family issues.
“I am grateful for the help and support I received from Literacy Pittsburgh! I enjoy the many kind people who helped me to learn about the culture and language," Kiran says. It has certainly not been easy, but with hard work and the help of Literacy Pittsburgh, it was possible.”
Literacy Pittsburgh (formerly Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council) helps create better lives through learning. Recognized as a national leader in adult and family literacy, Literacy Pittsburgh is Pennsylvania's largest provider of foundational education and literacy services for adults. A nonprofit organization, it helps 3,200 individuals each year gain the skills they need to reach their full potential and participate productively in their communities. Literacy Pittsburgh provides free, personalized instruction in workforce readiness, high school diploma test preparation, digital literacy, English language learning, math, reading, and family literacy through one-to-one and small-class instruction, both online and in-person. Founded in 1982, it serves adults in Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Greene, Washington, and Westmoreland counties.
