The Lyndale Education Program was overjoyed to have Representative Ilhan Omar attend Friday’s English classes at Blaisdell YMCA. Representative Omar began her visit with a site tour and class observation. She followed by leading a round table discussion with the students. Omar shared about her background as an immigrant, learning English as a 12-year-old, and the opportunities that unfold by learning English. Our students prepared questions for Representative Omar ranging from personal—what do you do on the weekend?—to professional—How do you support adult education both in Minnesota and Nationally? Poignantly, Omar ended the conversation by asking each student to share their country of origin; we discovered that 12 countries were represented in the conversation.
Representative Omar with Lyndale Education Program Students.
Representative Omar shared her background and answered student questions.
About the Lyndale Education Program
The Lyndale Education Program is a no-cost Adult Basic Education (ABE) program that provides high-quality English and Computer Basics instruction to students in Lyndale and surrounding neighborhoods. Classes remove barriers to students developing and sharing their voices in the community. Classes operate in community spaces that are walkable or accessible by bus or bike to many of South Minneapolis’ immigrant and refugee residents.
English Classes at the Blaisdell YMCA
The Blaisdell YMCA has been a long-term site host for Lyndale Education Program English classes. Morning and Evening classes are held onsite three days a week. The Blaisdell YMCA offers free childcare to our students during classes, making class even more accessible to many students. We are grateful for the YMCA’s continued support of free English education in Lyndale!
Get Involved
Students
If you are interested in learning English at YMCA or Sagrado Corazon, please complete our student registration form. We will contact you when space becomes available in one of our classes.
Volunteers
We are always looking for classroom assistants to volunteer in the classroom. Learn more about how you can help your neighbors learn English and complete the Volunteer Registration form to get started!
