Integrating into a New Culture

“The DI helped me become more comfortable with a language that I thought would be impossible to learn.”

I came to the United States from West Africa in search of a better life. In the beginning it was difficult for me to find a job because my English was not very good. I was in complete despair because I have a wife and two children in Africa to support. I asked a friend, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, for advice. He introduced me to a bishop in my neighborhood who helped me find work at Deseret Industries.

I was very happy and motivated to start the training program at Deseret Industries. My supervisor, a very remarkable man, enrolled me in an English class at DI. I then took another English class at the community college. With improved English language skills, I reached a turning point where I was able to realize my dream of going to school to further my studies as an electrician. After six months, I graduated from an electric power technology program at the local community college.

With the Lord's help, my life has really changed because of the training program and support I received at DI. Today, I can communicate better in English and I am in the process of enrolling in another training program for electricians. I received assistance with research, goals, and career objectives. I was helped to find job opportunities. And, thanks to DI, I met and worked with wonderful people from all over the world with different cultures and religions. I now have a solid foundation from which to integrate into society and the workplace.

There are no words to thank all the people that helped me to achieve my goals—I feel that the Lord gives them His gratitude. The DI helped me become more comfortable with a language that I thought would be impossible to learn. I recommend Deseret Industries for everyone that has a desire to succeed, to serve others, and who find it particularly difficult integrating into society and finding a job.

 “By the grace of the Lord, my life has really changed because of the training program and support I received at DI.”

For more amazing stories like Bourahima’s, visit the DI’s Facebook page by clicking here.