Today we…
Support new arrivals through education, relationships and community so they can thrive in their new home.
In the future, we will…
Create a community of open hearts, helping hands and supportive systems where strangers become friends and we all thrive.
September was National Literacy and Adult Basic Education month. There’s no better story to illustrate the perseverance it takes to finish a high school diploma than our friend Daoud Kuwa.
Daoud first became a friend of B5 when he worked in the afterschool program in 2018. Being from Sudan, he was fluent in Arabic, a needed skill as we welcomed many students from Syria that year. Daoud was a calming presence for many of the kids who were struggling to adjust to their new life. Often his younger kids came with him.
As a young boy growing up in the Nuba mountains, Daoud’s schooling was interrupted by war. At 18 he was able to leave home to go to school in Khartoum, but that didn’t last long either. He met and married his wife and they moved to Egypt. It was safer there.
Daoud’s educational journey continued when he arrived in the U.S. in 2003, but first he had to learn English. “[It’s hard to read English] because you try to spell and some letters are there, but you don’t pronounce them. That’s very hard.” Also, Arabic goes from right to left, while English is left to right. “Is Arabic backward or is English backward?” he says gesturing and laughing.
Finally, after 22 years, this past June Daoud got his high school diploma at CBC through the High School+ program. During that time he also worked at three different jobs and added five children to his family (his oldest daughter was born in Egypt). Both Daoud and his wife work to support their family.
While Daoud has never been a student of B5, we’ve encouraged him and provided a place for him to connect with his tutors. Vic Epperly met Daoud at the apartment to help him with math, and during Covid read with him daily over Zoom. Vic was also instrumental in helping Daoud get into the HS+ program. Trudi Scheele tutored Daoud through his English classes, and still helps him with English 101 as Daoud continues to work on his AA. Because they met Daoud in our space, Vic and Trudi also got introduced to B5 programs and now work with other students at B5.
Daoud’s relentless pursuit of education has had a positive influence on his kids. His two oldest kids are already pursuing college educations. Daoud is grateful for B5’s presence and encouragement. “I really appreciate B5, what you’re doing, for the kids. You really influence the community.”
B5 is proud of Daoud and the many others who are working hard every day to overcome the language and literacy barriers at B5. If Adult Literacy is a passion of yours too, consider volunteering at B5. You can apply here. If you cannot donate your time but still want to contribute to our Adult Programming you can make a donation today or contact Larissa for more information.
Thank you to all of you who give your time and money, so refugees and immigrants can find welcome at the doors of B5. Your donation in any amount allows us to support our programs to help newly arrived refugees THRIVE in our community. Will you join us?
Donations can be made through our website or they can be mailed to: B5 Learning Center 715 S Jean Street Kennewick, WA 99336
Contact us:
(509) 221-1572
info@thriveatb5.org
Keep in touch:
Like our Facebook page
Follow us on Instagram
Bookmark our website
Sign up here to receive our news in your own email inbox!
