September was National Literacy and Adult Basic Education month. There’s no better story to illustrate the perseverance it takes to finish a high school diploma than our friend Daoud Kuwa.
Daoud became a friend of B5 when he worked in the afterschool program in 2018. Being from Sudan, he was fluent in Arabic, a needed skill as we welcomed many students from Syria that year. Daoud was a calming presence for many of the kids who were struggling to adjust to their new life. Often his younger kids came with him.
As a young boy growing up in the Nuba mountains, Daoud’s schooling was interrupted by war. At 18 he was able to leave home to go to school in Khartoum, but that didn’t last long either. He met and married his wife and they moved to Egypt. It was safer there.
Daoud’s educational journey continued when he arrived in the U.S. in 2003, but first he had to learn English. “[It’s hard to read English] because you try to spell and some letters are there, but you don’t pronounce them. That’s very hard.” Also, Arabic goes from right to left, while English is left to right. “Is Arabic backward or is English backward?” he says gesturing and laughing.
Finally, after 22 years, this past June Daoud got his high school diploma at CBC through the High School+ program. During that time he also worked at three different jobs and added five children to his family (his oldest daughter was born in Egypt). Both Daoud and his wife work to support their family.
While Daoud has never been a student of B5, we’ve encouraged him and provided a place for him to connect with his tutors. Vic Epperly met Daoud at the apartment to help him with math, and during Covid read with him daily over Zoom. Vic was also instrumental in helping Daoud get into the HS+ program. Trudi Scheele tutored Daoud through his English classes, and still helps him with English 101 as Daoud continues to work on his AA. Because they met Daoud in our space, Vic and Trudi also got introduced to B5 programs and now work with other students at B5.
Daoud’s relentless pursuit of education has had a positive influence on his kids. His two oldest kids are already pursuing college educations. Daoud is grateful for B5’s presence and encouragement. “I really appreciate B5, what you’re doing, for the kids. You really influence the community.”
