When Emilie arrived in Phoenix from Togo in February 2024, she was full of energy and hope—but didn’t speak or understand English. Reunited with her husband, Antoinne, who had already been attending English classes at GoTEN, Emilie was eager to learn. Though she had learned to read a little English in Africa, she quickly realized how different things felt in the U.S. “When I came here, I couldn’t understand English,” she shared. That didn’t stop her. Emilie jumped into classes at GoTEN with joy and determination—and her spunky, encouraging spirit has filled the classroom ever since. She’s a consistent student, attending every week alongside Antoinne. She lights up the room, makes friends with everyone, and brings encouragement not just to fellow students, but also to her teacher, Brooke. Since starting classes, Emilie says everyday tasks have gotten much easier. “Now I can go to the grocery store and speak,” she said with a proud smile. She especially loves using the computer to practice her English and looks forward to class every week—not just to learn, but to be part of a community. When asked what she’d say to the donors who make her free classes possible, Emilie didn’t hesitate: “I want them to know I want to continue learning. This class helps me, and I am thankful.”

Helping a refugee achieve the ability to communicate and feel heard truly is an honor.  A unique way to have an impact on these students is by becoming a member of The Grid - a powerful group of individuals that help keep operations at the GoTEN Training Center, like Emilie’s English class, possible. Would you consider becoming part of that power source today?