When Ahasun arrived in the United States in 2024, he was eager for one thing: the opportunity to continue his education.

Originally from Myanmar, Ahasun was just a few months away from graduating from high school in 2017 when his Rohingya family was forced to leave their home and settle in a refugee camp in Bangladesh. As the oldest child in his family, he felt a strong responsibility to pursue an education so he could help support those around him.

The Literacy Center of West Michigan is pleased to share an excerpt of the Learner Spark, Issue No. 4, now available as a free PDF download. Learner Spark is a learner-written magazine that features original stories created by adult learners across Literacy Center programs. Each piece reflects lived experience and is published in the writer’s own words, supporting literacy growth while honoring the voices and perspectives of the people at the heart of our work. Consider becoming a volunteer literacy coach today to support adult learners like Maria!

Leonela came to the Literacy Center with a clear goal: to enter the healthcare field and build a career. Raised in a bilingual household and educated in the United States, she had taken college classes and was determined to keep moving toward a career helping others. 

Thanks to WOOD TV8 for featuring the Literacy Center's Family Literacy programming and our learners! Watch the video and read the article here: Kent County program builds family literacy to support kids | WOODTV.com

At Spellebration this year, we were proud to honor three individuals whose leadership has shaped our history and who continue to build a future where literacy is a foundation for equity in our community: 

Workplace ESL classes have become an important strategy to increase employee engagement for Grand Rapids Chair, with excellent results over more than eight years of partnership with the Literacy Center of West Michigan. 

Meet Elizabeth, one of our featured coaches who will be celebrated at Spellebration on Wednesday April 15th.

Meet Sylvie and Francois, two learners who will be highlighted during Spellebration on Wednesday April 15th.

Meet Eileen, one of our coaches being celebrated at Spellebration on Wednesday April 15th.

Meet Felipe, one of the many learners being celebrated at Spellebration on Wednesday April 15th.

Meet Karsten, one of the many coaches being celebrated during Spellebration on Wednesday April 15th.

Meet Sudha, one of the many learners being celebrated at Spellebration on Wednesday April 15th.

Thanks to WOOD TV8 for featuring the Literacy Center's programming and our learner Tabo! Watch the video and read the article here: Afghan woman reclaims dream of working in health care in West Michigan | WOODTV.com

The Literacy Center of West Michigan is pleased to share an excerpt of the Learner Spark, Issue No. 3, now available as a free PDF download. Learner Spark is a learner-written magazine that features original stories created by adult learners across Literacy Center programs. Each piece reflects lived experience and is published in the writer’s own words, supporting literacy growth while honoring the voices and perspectives of the people at the heart of our work. Consider becoming a volunteer literacy coach today to support adult learners like Alfonso!

Thanks to FOX17 West Michigan for featuring our Family Literacy program and partnership with Kentwood Public Schools in this article:

Kentwood parents learn English to better connect with their kids' schools