Adult Basic Education celebrated National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week

Last week, Osseo Area Schools Adult Basic Education (ABE) recognized National Adult Education and Family Literacy (NEFL) Week. 

We’re highlighting some of the students, teachers, volunteers and community partners in the program. 

 

For one ABE student, learning English was the first step after arriving in the United States.

“I had never studied English in my life,” said Svitlana Khrypun. “When I first arrived, I was terrified because I couldn’t understand anyone or speak the language.”

Through taking classes at ABE, Svitlana learned English, made friends and found it easier to communicate at work.

“I am very glad that this program exists and that it helps people like me learn English as adults,” said Svitlana. “It offers hope for a better, happier future and a career.”

Another student, Alfredia Anderson, came to ABE to earn a high school diploma and catch up on learning.

“It has been a fascinating experience, especially getting to meet new people,” said Alfredia. “There are little pieces that come back to me when I am learning again. I make connections on what I've learned again.”

Corinne Nash has been an ABE teacher since 1998. Today, Nash teaches ABE’s advanced English Language (EL) classes. For Nash, who came to the United States from Switzerland at age 13 during a time where there were no English-learning classes available to her, a great teacher at her school helped her learn the language. Now as a teacher herself, Nash sees the joy in learning from her students.

“When the lightbulbs go off as students learn something new — in the classroom, you can see it, and online, you can hear it in students’ voices — that’s when you know that they have learned something for life,” said Nash. 

As a volunteer, Ted Kalomiris also values the relationships he's built with students and staff in ABE.

“After a long career in the corporate world, this work with Osseo Area Schools Adult Education fills me with a sense of renewal and purpose,” Kalomiris said. “It can feel daunting to go back to school as an adult, but this program allows learners a safe place to pick up where they left off in their educational journey, wherever that may be.”

ABE also works with community partners to connect education with career opportunities. One partner, CAPI USA, works with ABE through its career pathways programs. ABE provided academic assessments and industry-specific curriculum for programs such as Warehouse Fundamentals and Property Maintenance.

“ABE has been a valued partner for CAPI. Their team consistently demonstrates a commitment to participant success," the organization shared. 

From learning English and earning a diploma to preparing for a career, ABE supports adults at different points in their educational journeys and helps each student reach their academic goals. 

“We are able to meet adult students where they are and help them with what they need. They know we are here — both online and in person — and they know we are committed to helping them reach their goals," said Nash.