Migrants from Africa make up a small portion of the individuals crossing the U.S. border, but their numbers have been steadily increasing. Over the past year, there has been a notable surge in immigrants and refugees from Africa arriving in the Denver metro area, and this trend continues.
The African Leadership Group is assisting them in their transition to life in Colorado.
“We are dedicated to teaching them the skills to become outstanding citizens during their time with us,” Papa Dia, the organization’s founder, explained. “They are eager to seize this opportunity because they come from places where opportunities are scarce.”
Dia is providing assistance to Africans who have fled their home countries in search of safety and refuge from the devastating effects of war, persecution, and poverty.
Many individuals have made the arduous journey to Central America, enduring treacherous rivers and dense jungles, all in an effort to reach our border.
Around 1,000 individuals made their way to Colorado last year. According to Dia, they have applied for political asylum, but the processing of such applications can often take several years.
Many individuals rely on refugee status to access various resources that are available to them. The African Leadership Group is providing support to migrants by offering assistance with English language acquisition and essential life skills during their waiting period.
Dia explained that being a smart person in Africa means being a smart person anywhere else in the world. The focus should be on finding ways to utilize the resources and skill sets available in order to contribute to the development of the country.
Colorado has experienced the most rapid growth of Black immigrants, with their numbers increasing by over 400% from 2000 to 2019, as reported by the Pew Research Center.
Dia’s primary objective is to support the smooth integration of the African diaspora into the professional world, and it all begins with English proficiency. Numerous African migrants arrive with a limited knowledge of languages such as Wolof, Fulani, and French.
Abdoul Anounkou, a migrant from Senegal, actively participates in the twice-weekly English classes alongside numerous African newcomers.
Anounkou, speaking in French, expressed how being in this country has provided him with a sense of relief, knowing that he is no longer under the threat of persecution. As an African, he acknowledged the willingness to undertake any kind of work in order to sustain oneself while living in a foreign land.
Dia, who immigrated to the U.S. 25 years ago, had studied law before making the move. However, it’s important to note that not all migrants have the same level of education. Many of them seek employment as day laborers in the vicinity of Colfax Avenue and Dayton Street.
Dia explained that the language barrier is just one aspect of the challenges faced by individuals who are new to a foreign country. In addition to language, they also need to familiarize themselves with local resources and know where to go for various services, such as obtaining a driver’s license or dealing with law enforcement. Technology can also be a hurdle for them. Dia mentioned that they provide training and coaching to help these individuals navigate these obstacles.
The life skills classes will cover a wide range of topics, including gaining an understanding of U.S. laws and learning how to create effective job resumes. Similar to migrants from Latin America, African newcomers also require assistance and contributions.
Dia believes that the available assistance is insufficient for everyone’s needs. Dia emphasized the scarcity of resources, acknowledging that their current operations are made possible due to the assistance of supportive foundations. However, the resources provided by the city are severely limited as the demands exceed their financial capacity.
Visit usalg.org for more information.
