RESOURCEful People – Khalif (EAC)

“I am a long served teacher (for over 25 years) and have an MBA degree from California State University-Fresno in 1986. In 1992, I had to leave my country due to civil war in Somalia. My family and I went to Kenya where we lived in refugee camps. At first, I was a teacher in the camps; then I was promoted to being an inspector of schools as well as member of education committee. I was also a community team leader.

“I came to Minnesota in December 2004. The challenges faced by me when I came to Minnesota included weather and housing due to my large family size of nine. I applied to Hennepin County for welfare assistance like medical, food and cash benefits. For four months we were in the Diversionary Work Program, and then we were enrolled in the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) at Employment Action Center.

EAC helped me by giving me information on the hiring system and the best ways to get a job. I participated in job club discussions about how to apply for a job, dressing correctly, interviewing, etc. I worked at EAC for about five months as a volunteer teaching in the English as a Second Language program and also teaching the volunteers about Somali culture.

“Since August 15, 2004, I have been working at Dussi Academy Charter School as an educational assistant due to not having Minnesota teachers license, which I am expecting to get soon. Life is hope and hope is life. I know things will get better.”