Join the Fight for Learners Like Da

Every day, determination walks the hallways of Literacy Minnesota, lifting up classrooms, lessons and dreams carried by learners driven to build new lives. 

Determination looks like Da, a soft-spoken learner with an earnest smile, a husband, four young sons and the quiet resolve to build a better future for her family. She moved to the United States from Myanmar about ten years ago and has worked toward that future ever since.

Recently, she completed her Medical Careers classes at Open Door Learning Center and is now weeks away from becoming a certified nursing assistant. Da is ready to launch a career that will support her family and serve our community—a path inspired by her father, who was also a nurse.

In our classrooms, she found encouragement, belonging and the courage to believe in her dreams. “Learning as an adult gave me confidence,” Da shared. “It made me believe I could still change and improve.”

As a former volunteer teacher and now a board member, I’ve seen firsthand the kind of commitment learners bring to our classrooms—and how much your support makes possible. Across the country, institutions built on access and equity are being challenged.

Immigrants, refugees and adult learners are feeling the impact firsthand. Like many families who come to the United States seeking stability, safety or a better life, Da’s family is navigating difficult times. Her husband, for example, has decided not to visit his parents, fearful he may not be allowed to return.

My own family came here years ago in search of greater opportunity—a different path than Da’s, but one that helps me understand the strength it takes to start over in a new country.

Literacy Minnesota has long relied on government funding to support several of our programs. But the current administration in Washington has eroded those supports by terminating funding for our citizenship education classes, abruptly eliminating our AmeriCorps VISTA program and freezing funding for digital inclusion.

Furthermore, our adult education funding, while stable, has not been ample enough to respond robustly to community gaps, such as educational supports for U.S.-born adults.

We realize it’s important to build a diverse funding base and offset losses, so we’re turning to those closest to us—our volunteers—to ask for a financial gift to Open Door Learning Center, in addition to the time you’ve so generously given. A gift of any size matters.

Every day at Literacy Minnesota, we promise to stand firm in our belief that education, equity and justice must be protected. Your support makes this possible through tutor training, GED preparation, digital learning, high-quality educator resources and more.

Will you make a gift today to support Da and the many others who are transforming their lives through Literacy Minnesota’s programs? We have a tremendous opportunity to come together in support of each other and our communities—including the newcomers among us. Every gift is critical for the future we build together.

Your generosity defends dignity, fuels resilience and holds up hope for learners like Da when it matters most.

With gratitude,

Ravi Krishnan

Board Member, Finance and Audit Committee Chair and Open Door Volunteer Teacher of five years