Fadila came to the United States from Algeria with her husband and son in 2016. She spoke very little English. A few months after arriving here, a friend told her about Literacy Pittsburgh. She met with a program coordinator and was matched with a volunteer tutor.
“It was hard to communicate in the beginning,” Fadila explains. Eventually, it got easier for her after a lot of hard work and practice. Her tutor also helped Fadila to learn about life in Pittsburgh. “I asked so many questions!”
While Fadila was a primary school teacher in her home country, she wanted to do something different here. After meeting with our Career Services staff, she chose to attend community college as a business major.
Fadila continued to meet with her tutor while attending college. She focused on grammar and writing, as well as spelling, vocabulary, and speaking.
“English is the key here. It opens all doors!” Fadila explains. “Without English, you are like a statue, unable to do anything.”
In October 2018, Fadila and her family reached an important milestone: they became homeowners. In 2021, Fadila's family grew as she joyfully welcomed a daughter.
Today, Fadila is taking steps to realize her dream of being a hair stylist. She started a cosmetology school in September 2024, and dreams of opening her own business in the future. She also moved from student to teacher, establishing a YouTube channel teaching English for kids (Sing & Say English).
“I am very appreciative of your organization's help!” Fadila explains.
Thanks to you, Fadila and her family are achieving the American dream!
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 the largest provider of adult basic education in Allegheny and Beaver Counties. Last year, Literacy Pittsburgh helped more than 4,000 individuals acquire the skills needed to reach their fullest potential in life 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. Founded in 1982, it serves local adults through numerous neighborhood locations and its Downtown Pittsburgh Learning Center.
