A Proud New U.S. Citizen
Maria Martina Nolasco sworn on in today March 23. Maria is an entrepreneur owner of a local restaurant and an active community member in Harrisonburg. She thanks Skyline for her achievement.
Join us in congratulating Maria on this momentous occasion! Her dedication and perseverance are truly inspiring, and we're honored to have played a part in her journey to citizenship. Here's to Maria and the countless opportunities that lie ahead as a proud citizen of the United States!
Student Spotlight - Nadia
Nadia, a woman in her late thirties from Iraq, entered our English language class eager to learn. Hailing from a village where education was scarce, Nadia lacked basic literacy skills in her native language.
Facing the challenge of writing the alphabet, Nadia remained determined to learn, despite initial difficulties. Through our English classes, she found joy and empowerment in navigating daily life.
With each session, Nadia's resolve strengthened. With the guidance of patient instructors and supportive classmates, she gradually grasped the English language. Small achievements, such as forming letters and constructing basic sentences, filled her with pride and spurred her onward.
Nadia harbored a deep desire to become a United States citizen. Equipped with her newfound language skills, she embarked on the journey of completing her citizenship application.
During her citizenship interview, Nadia confidently articulated her thoughts, earning her certificate of citizenship with pride. Returning to her village in Iraq, Nadia shared her journey, offering hope to those facing similar struggles.
Nadia's story stands as a testament to resilience, proving that with determination, obstacles can be overcome. From struggling with the alphabet to achieving citizenship, Nadia's journey exemplifies unwavering courage and resilience. As she embraces the opportunities of her newfound status, Nadia's journey continues, guided by her indomitable spirit.
Congratulate a new U.S. Citizen - Ana Fajardo
We are thrilled to share the exciting news that one of our students who completed the U.S. Citizenship class, Ana Fajardo, has officially become a United States citizen!
Ana Fajardo's journey with us at Skyline Literacy showcased her dedication, determination, and a passion for learning. We couldn't be prouder of Ana and the significant milestone she has achieved. This moment not only highlights her personal triumph but also underscores the impact of education and community support.
Wishing Ana continued success and fulfillment in all her future endeavors as a proud U.S. citizen!
Learn more about our U.S. Citizenship Preparation class by clicking the button below.
Adam's Journey to Citizenship: A Skyline Literacy Success Story
Adam, a determined individual from Sudan, arrived in Harrisonburg in 2017, seeking to build a new life for himself and his family. As a truck driver with a desire to become a U.S. citizen, Adam's path led him to Skyline Literacy, where he studied as part of the citizenship preparation class.
Having been with Skyline Literacy for just a month, Adam began studying in the Citizenship Class, gearing up for the crucial citizenship exam that would begin the way for his American dream. Upon discovering Skyline Literacy through a friend's recommendation, he recognized the value of the program in helping him navigate the complexities of the citizenship process.
Adam's determination to become a U.S. citizen was fueled by his goal to secure a brighter future for his family and himself. Recognizing the invaluable opportunities that citizenship could bring, he embraced the educational journey, confident that these skills would open doors to better employment prospects and enhanced community involvement.
Throughout his time with Skyline Literacy, Adam found joy in every aspect of the program, praising the dedicated teachers, tutors, and staff who provided support and guidance. The materials, including books and relevant YouTube resources, enriched his learning experience and equipped him with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in his citizenship endeavors.
Expressing his gratitude, Adam extends his thanks to the Skyline Literacy community for playing an instrumental role in his pursuit of U.S. citizenship. He became a U.S. Citizen on December 21st, 2022. With his goals firmly within reach, he eagerly anticipates the possibility of taking English classes in the future, confident that Skyline Literacy will continue to be a beacon of support and empowerment.
Adam's resounding endorsement of Skyline Literacy serves as a testament to the organization's commitment to fostering education, empowerment, and community integration. His journey shows the transformative impact that educational initiatives can have on individuals and families, showcasing the profound difference that organizations like Skyline Literacy can make in the lives of those they serve.
A New U.S. Citizen!
We are thrilled to share some amazing news about our student, Blanca Alas Alfaro!
On Friday, September 29th, Blanca reached a significant milestone in her journey towards becoming a United States citizen. She attended her Oath Ceremony and officially became a U.S. citizen!
Originally from El Salvador, Blanca has shown immense dedication and determination throughout her journey. In this special moment, Blanca wants to express her gratitude to Skyline for the incredible support and assistance they provided throughout her journey.
Let's join hands and congratulate Blanca on this remarkable achievement! Your hard work and perseverance are truly inspiring, and your new citizenship is well-deserved. We're so proud of you, Blanca!
Encouraging Family Literacy
Dolores - bottom right
For Dolores, a retired kindergarten teacher with three decades of experience under her belt, education and family have always been at the forefront of her passion. Her career as an advocate for families and children has been nothing short of remarkable, and her belief that it's never too early to start reading and engaging children with books has left an indelible mark on her journey. Dolores knows that preparing children for school and fostering a deep love for reading starts at home, with parents as the first teachers.
It's this belief in the power of family and literacy that led Dolores to Skyline Literacy in 2019. Skyline Literacy, based in Virginia, provided the ideal platform to introduce a family literacy program, given the crucial importance of reading and interaction between parents and children. Many parents in the program are bilingual, and Skyline’s selection of simple books allows even those with limited vocabulary to read with their kids, bridging language gaps while fostering a love for reading.
Dolores's own love for reading, nurtured by her mother reading to her, expanded her world, imagination, and knowledge. Recognizing the transformative potential of this experience, she wanted to share it with other families. Her mission at Skyline became clear: help families discover the joy of reading together, just as her family had.
In Dolores's family literacy classes, the magic unfolds when families keep returning, cherishing the experience and the growth they witness in their children. There's something incredibly gratifying for Dolores when parents read alongside their children, engaging in the storytelling process, and fostering a deep bond through the written word.
During her classes, Dolores and her colleague, Bly, serve as models for reading techniques, from tracking print to discussing the story's illustrations. The children enjoy the books, and Dolores appreciates witnessing this interaction. After reading the stories, they often draw pictures or engage in related crafts, making the learning experience multi-dimensional and engaging.
Some of the memorable moments in Dolores's classes include a "Pete the Cat and the Perfect Pizza Party" session, where they had their own pizza party, or drawing a map after reading "Bear About Town." They even ventured into cooking experiences, like the jelly-making project tied to "Froggie Learns to Swim," with Skyline providing the ingredients to families in their own homes.
Dolores navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic by embracing technology. The transition to Zoom classes went smoothly, and the accessibility it offered led to excellent attendance. Skyline supported the transition with Zoom training and provided all the necessary books and craft materials, ensuring that the learning continued despite the circumstances.
For Dolores, the true success of her classes is reflected in the shared moments at the end of each session, where families practice speaking English and bond over their newfound love for reading. The ultimate testament to her impact is when families sign up for a second session, demonstrating their genuine enthusiasm for the program.
"I just don't want to leave," one child expressed during a Zoom class, encapsulating the profound impact of Dolores's work.
Dolores's journey at Skyline Literacy has been a testament to the power of community, family, and literacy. She attributes much of her success to Skyline’s unwavering support, particularly from Virginia and Nelly, who ensured that families had the materials they needed, even during the challenging times of COVID.
In Dolores's own words, "Skyline was great, I really thought we made a good team together."
Her dedication to fostering a love for reading in families has not only helped children embark on their literacy journeys but has also strengthened bonds within the community. Dolores's story reminds us that the love of learning and reading can transform lives, and Skyline Literacy continues to provide programs for families and individuals seeking learning.
Empowering Families through Literacy
Salwa Angalo came to Harrisonburg from Sudan with her family. She learned about Skyline Literacy in 2021 when she went to the Comcast Building to pay her bill and discovered that Skyline Literacy was in the same building. She saw flyers advertising Skyline’s English classes and decided to enroll in the program.
After attending English classes, Salwa was told about Skyline’s Family Literacy Program. She and her two children joined hoping that would bring her family closer and empower their language skills together. The program offered a blend of online and in-person experiences, accommodating the needs of diverse families like Salwa's.
For Salwa and her family, the program was not just educational; it was transformative. It helped them understand and speak English more confidently, strengthening their bonds and enabling them to communicate effectively with their new community.
Before discovering Skyline, Salwa faced challenges in reading and writing, barriers that limited her opportunities. However, the books and teachers ignited her passion for learning.
Salwa's journey continued to evolve. Building upon her newfound English skills, she now had her sights set on something even greater. She enrolled in citizenship classes, taking another step toward her dreams and aspirations in her adopted homeland.
Salwa's story is a testament to the transformative power of education and community support. Through Skyline, she not only learned to read and write but also found a sense of belonging and empowerment. Her journey from a chance encounter with a flyer to pursuing citizenship exemplifies the impact that dedicated organizations like Skyline Literacy can have on individuals and families, helping them to thrive and contribute to their communities in meaningful ways.
Unlocking the Power of Giving Back: The Joy of Volunteering
Kaystyle Madden worked with Skyline Literacy as a tutor and later as a workforce partner in our community. Adult Education is a passion of hers, and she was inspired by the work the organization does: “Becoming a member of the board is another way for me to advocate for adult learners.” Kaystyle joined the Skyline Literacy Board of Directors in January 2022. Her journey didn't stop there—she became the co-secretary in June 2022, and has just begun her term as Vice President."
Kaystyle began tutoring with Skyline Literacy in 2012. At the time, she was in a challenging job search after being laid off. Feeling discouraged, she turned to a friend in the HR industry for advice. Their suggestion was simple but profound: try volunteering to help you figure out your next steps. She had always wanted to tutor but never felt like she had the time. So, she started researching GED tutors and discovered Skyline Literacy. She signed up for the next Volunteer Tutor Training.
Kaystyle enjoyed tutoring so much that she requested a meeting with then Executive Director Elizabeth Girvan and Programs Manager Nelly Moreno-Shenk to learn more about Adult Education. It was becoming clear that she had found her new career path. Kaystyle returned to school and obtained a Master of Education in Adult & Higher Education. She shares, “Joining the Board of Directors brings everything full circle for me."
One of Kaystyle’s earliest tutoring experiences encapsulates the incredible impact of education and literacy. Her first learner's goal was to read a children's book to her 3-year-old daughter. Witnessing the confidence she gained from finishing that first book was incredibly encouraging. It's moments like these that remind us how reading can empower individuals."
"What I enjoy most about being a member of the Skyline Literacy Board of Directors is the opportunity to attend Skyline Literacy events and connect with volunteers and learners. Additionally, I value the collaborative spirit among our board members. We have a great team, and our collective efforts drive the organization forward."
In her opinion, the Board of Directors plays a vital role in furthering Skyline Literacy's mission and vision: “We are like the guiding light for the organization, here to help maintain the course. However, it's the dedicated staff and volunteers who are the true heart and soul of the organization.”
Kaystyle believes success with Skyline Literacy is witnessing adult learners in our community become empowered through education and literacy. It's about seeing individuals grow and gain the confidence to pursue their dreams and aspirations."
Kaystyle is very proud to be a part of this organization. She looks forward to bringing more awareness to all the great programs available at Skyline. The impact we have on individuals and families is profound, and she is honored to be part of a community that values education and empowerment.
The journey from volunteer to Board Member at Skyline Literacy embodies the organization's core values of lifelong learning, empowerment, and community support. It is an inspiring story of how one person's passion can ignite change and impact countless lives through the power of education and literacy.
Skyline Literacy welcomes more volunteers to join this noble cause, where every effort counts in building a brighter, more literate future for all. Whether you're looking to volunteer as an administrative assistant, tutor, or teacher, or if you're interested in serving as a board member, your skills and passion can make a profound difference in the lives of those we serve. Join us in our mission to foster a more literate and inclusive community.
A Family's Path to Literacy
Soraya Noorzaie and her family came to Harrisonburg from Afghanistan. She and daughter joined Skyline Literacy’s Family Literacy Program, a program designed to enhance literacy skills and foster a deeper bond between parents and their children. Each class was a unique blend of learning, bonding, and exploration. They discovered the joy of reading, the power of words, and the beauty of communication.
Soraya's motivation was fueled by her desire to improve her family’s English skills. She was an English teacher in her home country and was eager to navigate her way through the educational system and daily life. She was determined to understand the nuances of the culture she had chosen as her new home.
Soraya appreciated her teachers' warmth and patience as they guided her children through the English language. During those in-person sessions, Soraya and her daughter sat side by side, turning pages, sounding out words, and sharing stories. Their connection grew stronger with every book they read together, reinforcing the importance of family literacy in their lives.
Her daughter was not only reading with confidence but also engaging in meaningful conversations. When asked about her experience, Soraya beamed with gratitude, saying, "I liked it. Thanks so much. I appreciate it." Her words resonated with the genuine appreciation she felt for the program that had emphasized families reading together. Soraya now works at a Montessori school in Harrisonburg.
As Soraya continued her journey, she left behind a heartfelt recommendation for others: "Yes, I would recommend it." Her story stands as a testament to the transformative power of literacy and the profound impact of programs like Skyline's Family Literacy Program on individuals and families, empowering them to create a brighter future together.