Mustaf is a Somali refugee that was resettled through Arrive Ministries last year, he now teaches the Somali language for one of our Connect classes. As a refugee client, Mustaf received housing services through Arrive Ministries in 2022. After making close connections with Arrive staff, Mustaf decided to become a volunteer interpreter.
His passion for language and his servant-heart was clear from the beginning, so when it came time to find someone to teach Arrive’s Somali language Connect class, Mustaf was asked to come on board. Using conversations, games, and activities, Mustaf teaches once a week for 15-week sessions covering the basics of Somali language.
It’s a celebratory full circle moment for one of our refugee clients to now be in the teacher role.
“We started connect classes in 2019 as a way to reverse roles so that we can be not just English teachers, but also be learners as well.” says Language Resource Coordinator, Melissa.
“It’s my first time teaching my language. It makes me feel interested to be here, and I like to learn other people’s language to communicate,” says Mustaf.
Learning a new language is never easy. It takes humility, practice, and persistence – something that Mustaf knows well due to his refugee background. At the same time there are many joys that come from stepping into different cultures through language.
One of Mustaf’s students who formerly volunteered as a homework helper for a Somali student recalls, “the (Somali) kids were really impressed when I said the word shoes in Somali!”
Arrive Ministries staff member, Melissa, expressed the joy and purpose of hosting these role reversal classes at Arrive. Her goal is to create a welcoming environment in which people can learn from men and women with refugee backgrounds, taking in all they have to offer.
“I just think it’s a cool way to glorify God in that way, and it’s also cool to empower the refugee community because they have so much to teach,” said Melissa.
As someone rich in humility and ready to learn, Mustaf is thriving in this role of teacher helping his English-speaking students dive into a new language.
