At LCNV, we cannot stress enough that the language barrier faced by our students has an impact much larger than just daily communications. As Sajida talks about, not being able to speak English creates a sense of stress and isolation that makes her reluctant to leave home for long periods of times:
“When I came to the USA it was very hard and I had problems because I didn’t speak English and I didn’t know about American people. I didn’t leave my home for weeks and months. USA and Afghanistan laws are very different. I don’t have friends and I don’t have a credit card. In the USA things are very expensive.
I could not find a doctor when my daughter was sick. In the emergency room we waited a lot and the doctor came to see my daughter… My daughter was crying all night. I felt very bad.
Now I am a little bit better. I will, in the future, improve my English and my home and find a good job. I will be a good mother to my kids and help them study.”
For people like Sajida, learning English is empowering – it reconnects individuals with the community, and enables them to stand on their own feet once again. LCNV supports individuals in our community to learn basic English skills, so that they can more fully participate in our community. If you believe in our cause, support us by volunteering with us or make a donation today.