Helene: A lifetime of service

Helene Fatouma, a native of Sibut, Central African Republic, has a story that exemplifies the strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of education. Born in 1965, Helene spent much of her life serving her community, from working as a receptionist at a hospital to founding the Sibut Women's Action for Development Group. Her life in the Central African Republic was one of leadership and community service, including running her own restaurant, "Tomi la Belle."

However, Helene's world was turned upside down by the outbreak of war, forcing her to leave her home in December 2013. She sought refuge in Ndjamena, Chad, where her passion for helping others remained strong. Helene founded a refugee women's group in 2014 and was later elected treasurer general of the Ndjamena Urban Refugee Committee in 2016, a position that allowed her to continue her work in supporting and empowering her fellow refugees.

Helene's journey took another turn when she arrived in Pittsburgh on Christmas Day, 2023. Faced with a new country and a language she could not speak, Helene initially felt isolated and overwhelmed. "I was like a mute deaf person," she recalls, reflecting on the challenges of adapting to life in the United States. But her resilience shone through once again, and with the help of the organization Hello Neighbor, Helene was connected with Literacy Pittsburgh in January 2024.

Determined to learn English and rebuild her life, Helene threw herself into her studies. She not only attended classes at Literacy Pittsburgh but also committed over 100 hours to studying English on Duolingo. Her dedication paid off. By March 2024, she had completed housekeeping training provided by Literacy Pittsburgh, which helped her secure a job at a hotel by April of the same year.

Helene's progress in English has been remarkable. She expresses her gratitude to her teachers at Literacy Pittsburgh for their support and encouragement. "To our teacher Shawn Chattin who cares about his students, thanks to him I passed to the intermediate class and I express myself a little in English," she shares. Helene's success in her job was further acknowledged when she received a certification of appreciation on June 25, 2024, for her performance at work, helping the former Wyndham Hotel in the neighborhood of Oakland transition into what is now a Marriott.

In addition to her accomplishments at work, Helene is deeply appreciative of the guidance and training she received from her other teachers. "To our teacher Kristen Sidorovich, for the training that made my work easier in order to receive my recognition," she says, emphasizing how Kristen's instruction played a critical role in her success. Helene also extends her thanks to Laine Stover, who continued to support her as she advances in her English studies: "To our teacher Laine Stover, for the continuation of our courses in the intermediate class."

Today, Helene is not only working as a housekeeper at Marriott but is also in charge of training new housekeepers—all in English. Her journey in less than 8 months from a newcomer struggling with the language to a mentor for others is a testament to her determination and the impact of the support she received from Literacy Pittsburgh.

Helene's story is a powerful reminder of the importance of community and education in transforming lives. "I am so thankful to Literacy Pittsburgh and all the teams for their warm welcome"