Mohameden came to the United States from Mauritania in 2023 and started taking English classes at Literacy Pittsburgh a few months after he arrived.
“I decided to move and live in the United States of America in order to change my reality and achieve my dream for the future,” Mohameden explains. “I decided to enroll [at Literacy Pittsburgh] firstly because it is free, and I do not have the money to pay for my studies. Secondly, I knew that it would help me and would be my path towards achieving my goals.”
Mohameden started at level 1 English and has advanced to level 5. He has attended digital skills classes in typing and basic computer. He is currently enrolled in Business English to help advance his skills. This class covers more advanced topics such as pronunciation, business writing structure, vocabulary, and presentation skills. Mohameden has also taken advantage of many of Literacy Pittsburgh’s career services offerings such as college information sessions and job coaching.
In August, he was hired by UPMC Environmental Services, providing patient transport.
“Literacy Pittsburgh helped me deal with others linguistically. It helped me prepare for speaking in interviews and working with my colleagues in the hospital,” Mohameden said. “I love Literacy Pittsburgh and I owe them a lot.”
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.
