Skyline Literacy

Thank you for finding your way to our page and for considering donating to us today.  Your financial support directly benefits adult learners in our community, providing them with essential resources and opportunities for growth. With your help, we can continue offering high-quality English learning, citizenship preparation, digital literacy programs, financial literacy, and one-on-one tutoring to those who need it most. 

Your support ensures that individuals like those below, aspiring to achieve U.S. citizenship or English proficiency, can continue to pursue their dreams and contribute positively to society. Thank you again for your continued support and generosity. Together, let us create a lasting impact and spread the gift of education throughout the Harrisonburg community! 

Success Stories

Wilder's Story

When Wilder Gonzalez moved from Nicaragua to the U.S. three years ago, he brought with him a degree in Business Administration and experience as a Credit Verifier. But like many newcomers, he found that adjusting to life in a new country meant starting over — and learning a new language.

Today, Wilder works in maintenance at George’s Food, where all of his co-workers speak English. It was a big shift from his previous role in sanitation, where Spanish was commonly spoken. Recognizing the need to communicate effectively at work and in the community, Wilder took action.

He heard about Skyline Literacy through his church and enrolled in our Digital Literacy class last year. After testing out of the first level of English, he quickly moved on to Level 2 English, where he continues to study today.

“Classes were very helpful,” Wilder says. “Before, I always needed my sister to help me translate at the bank or other places. Now, I can go with my family and my wife, and I can talk and understand what people are saying.”

From understanding instructions at work to handling personal errands like banking, Wilder’s improved English skills have given him the confidence and independence he was hoping for. He can now follow both technical work terms and have personal conversations in English — a huge step in building a life here.

One of his greatest joys? Practicing English with his daughter, who learned the language in school.

“She speaks very well — she says she is advanced,” Wilder shares with pride. “Now I can understand her and practice with her. I am very thankful for that.”

Wilder's journey with Skyline Literacy is far from over. He plans to continue taking classes and, in the future, hopes to enroll in university-level English courses. Long-term, he wants to take citizenship classes and become a U.S. citizen.

“Since I live in the U.S., I believe it’s important to learn the language,” he says. “The teachers are very friendly and the materials are very helpful. I think Skyline has a good idea and gives good support for people who want to learn English.”

Najlaa's Story

Originally from Iraq, Najlaa came to the United States in 2008, bringing with her the heart of an educator. She was a teacher in Iraq, but since arriving in the U.S., she’s stepped away from the classroom — not because of a lack of passion, but because of one major barrier: language.

Although she became a U.S. citizen in 2020, Najlaa didn’t begin studying English seriously until 2024, when a friend encouraged her to join Skyline Literacy.

“Before, I didn’t want to try,” Najlaa says. “But my friend told me about Skyline Literacy. I became very interested in the materials. They helped my skills, and I felt excited and motivated to try.”

Since then, Najlaa has been enrolled in Level 2 English classes at Skyline Literacy, and the progress she’s made has been life-changing. With the encouragement of staff like Aveen, who reminded her that she can always reach out and share what she needs, Najlaa has gained both knowledge and accountability.

“Sometimes I didn’t want to continue,” she admits, “but the teachers and team always check on me. They keep me going.”

For Najlaa, learning English isn’t just about fulfilling a personal dream — it’s about understanding her children and participating fully in daily life.

“English is important because I live in the U.S. I need better English when I go to the doctor — and most importantly, to listen to my kids when they speak. Sometimes they speak in English and I don’t understand everything. This motivates me to learn.”

She speaks highly of the teachers and staff at Skyline, praising their consistency, care, and student-centered approach. The learning experience is not one-size-fits-all; it's personalized, encouraging each student to study the words and topics that matter most to them.

Looking ahead, Najlaa is excited to join the English Conversation Class this summer, with the goal of becoming more fluent. Her long-term dream? To regain her confidence and pursue a U.S. teaching certificate.

"I give Skyline Literacy a 10 out of 10," she says with a smile. "They really care."