“Without coming to LVGH, the things I want to accomplish in life would be impossible. The path to accomplishing my goals starts here.”
Growing up in the African country of Mali, Ousmane learned at an early age that success comes from hard work. Years later, when he arrived in the U.S., that mentality was no different. Though he was able to pick up basic English in no time, Ousmane realized how reliant he would still be on others as long as his reading and writing skills were limited. One year ago, he came to LVGH to change that.
You will find Ousmane at LVGH five days a week. He is enrolled in the ESOL and Basic Literacy programs, and finishes the week by attending our Friday Book Club. What makes his desire to learn even more remarkable is that he works as a truck driver for a local distributor seven nights a week. “Working at night, there is a lot of days I don’t want to get out of bed and come to class, but I have to come here. If I don’t come, I will miss something. I need these skills.”
Ousmane’s dedication has paid off. “I love that I am starting to be able to read books now. Maybe one day I will write a book. Since coming to LVGH, I realize that I want to help people like the volunteers here do. I want to help people in my situation.” When asked about his future plans, he said: “If I can read and write, the sky is the limit.” For now, Ousmane is planning a much-needed and well-deserved vacation!
