All are welcome

 

Hear Amna’s story!

In Arabic, ‘Amna’ means safe. It was also the name of my grandmother, who was denied the opportunity of an education. Amna sanctuary is rooted in her spirit, with aims to provide immigrants and refugees with the tools for personal success she was never permitted.

English as a Second Language

Amna Sanctuary is proud to offer our first English as a Second Language class on October 12. This beginner-level class will be led by our instructor, Ms. Sharon Mitchell.

Sharon has taught English internationally for nearly 40 years. After earning a master’s degree in Teaching English as a Second Language from the University of Illinois, she moved to China to teach English to university students. She spent two years working in eastern China, then moved to the far western provinces, where she helped to establish an English training program for adults in a small city. She taught farmers, government employees, and university graduates.

Sharon moved back to the U.S. in 2013.  Since then, she has kept busy as a substitute teacher, taught basic language skills to retired Chinese adults, and even spent a month teaching English to Syrian refugees.

Support for Communities

We want to empower immigrants with manual skills to earn money, through our ‘Bless These Hands’ program. We will help participants get licensed to work in fields where they already have skills and experience from their country of origin.

Cultural Literacy Course

By participating in this course, immigrants and refugees will learn how to understand American culture, in order to prepare them to interact and engage with a wide range of American sub-cultures. This course will also explain core American values and beliefs, while celebrating the unique contributions and perspectives participants bring to their new home. Additionally, they will build essential financial literacy skills.

Career Coaching

We will help participants identify their unique skills by taking the time to understand their talents and life experiences. Participants will receive assistance in mapping their future careers and setting tractable goals towards their vision. Our services will include counseling, resume writing, and interviewing practice.