Education
English As a Second Language
For African immigrants and refugees, learning to read and communicate in English is a key step toward integrating into their new lives; more than a third arrive in this country speaking no English at all. Even more startlingly, after five years less than 30% of them have managed to increase their proficiency in the language.
Obviously, a lack of English-speaking ability presents an almost insurmountable obstacle when it comes to finding employment, completing necessary forms and paperwork, or even managing household finances.
For that reason, Colorado African Organization makes English as a second language (ESL) training a cornerstone of its efforts. What makes our classes so different is that it is adaptable – students are tested for proficiency when they enter the program, but are then encouraged to attend and learn as often as possible. By taking this approach, rather than forcing them into a schedule that may not work with their employment and other obligations, our "open door" classes are able to serve many more Africans than traditional courses.
Computer Literacy
While most of the world is going increasingly-digital, and Americans are increasingly using the Internet for most facets of their job search, CAO estimates that 75% of our clients don’t have any basic computer skills, like turning a computer on and using a mouse.
To help them gain a better chance at finding employment, we offer two computer classes: beginning and intermediate. Beginning with introductory subjects like starting a computer, using a keyboard and mouse, and opening software, students gradually move on to more advanced topics like Microsoft Word, using the Internet, and finding a job online.
This progression allows even the most inexperienced students to absorb the skills needed to work in this country. In fact, we have even had one student – a 65 year old man who didn’t know how to find a power button – go on to become an assistant instructor.
These kinds of success stories remind us of what is possible at CAO. Why not join or volunteer today?
Citizenship Classes
For many of the refugees and immigrants we work with, becoming a US citizen remains a long-term goal. Once they have successfully transitioned into a new home, found employment, and handled other basic needs, they desire to further integrate into American life as naturalized citizens, with the right to vote, fewer travel restrictions, and other perks.
CAO offers courses in citizenship designed to help Africans understand why seeking citizenship is crucial to integration and how the process works – as well as US history and other test subject instruction – and offers tips for passing their naturalization exam. It isn't easy to become a citizen in this country, but for those members who are committed, it can bring life-changing benefits.
Parent Engagement Classes
One of the major cultural differences between life in Africa and customs in the United States is that, in their old countries, most parents are not directly involved with their children's education. Teaching was strictly the domain of schoolteachers, a belief that they often bring to their new life in Colorado.
Through CAO Parent Engagement classes, we encourage newly arrived refugees to take an active role in their children's education, showing them how to check things like homework, reading logs, and teacher feedback. The goal of these courses is to increase knowledge of parental responsibilities towards education in the US, and create second-generation immigrants who have the knowledge and skills to compete in America.
Social Integration
Surprising as it may sound, what most African immigrants and refugees find most difficult about life in America, once they have arrived and found ways to take care of their most basic needs like housing and food, are the sheer number of cultural and social adjustments they have to make. From opening a bank account or setting a household budget, these are skills that many simply don’t have.
Designed as a second-tier integration course, similar to the things most Americans learn during their college years, CAO Social Integration classes cover topics like career planning, financial management, legal rights and responsibilities, and much more.