Dirshe: Opportunity for Education

“From the outside, it doesn’t look like a school,” noted Dirshe, age 18. “But inside students will benefit by mastering skills in English, Math, Social Studies and Science.” Dirshe is a recent immigrant from Somalia and an 11th grade student at Volunteers of America’s Opportunity High School, a Minneapolis Public Schools specialty school which specializes in meeting the educational needs of English Language Learners.  

After fleeing Somalia with his family, Dirshe spent several years in a refugee camp in Kenya where he completed school through 9th grade. Dirshe loved school, especially science, and had always been an excellent student. So when his family arrived in Minnesota in 2007, Dirshe was eager to continue his education.

Dirshe was evaluated and placed in 9th grade at a mainstream public school and was later promoted to 10th grade after his transcripts were received. His brothers and sisters were all placed in other schools in the Minneapolis Public School district.  

As it turned out, mainstream public school was extremely difficult for Dirshe. He was extremely intelligent, but spoke very little English and language was an enormous barrier to his success. Dirshe was overwhelmed and confused. He asked for extra help, but the teachers were generally not available to provide him with further assistance because of the large number of students in each class. “The teachers seemed like they didn’t care if I understood,” reported Dirshe. In fact, his science teacher became impatient and annoyed with him because he asked so many questions. “He was disrespectful to me,” Dirshe explained. For the first time in his life, Dirshe received an “F” in Science.

A frustrated Dirshe began to look for other options when his older brother told him about the excellent experience he had at Volunteers of America’s Opportunity High School.  He suggested Dirshe give it a try.  Dirshe visited the school and quickly transferred his enrollment.

“The teachers were happy to see me,” he said with a smile. “They evaluated me and placed me at the correct level according to my knowledge and English language ability.” The classes were small and the staff and volunteers at Opportunity High School took the time to help Dirshe understand the coursework. Dirshe enjoys school again. Today, he has a good command of the English language and is an outstanding student who looks forward to college and dreams of becoming a pediatrician.  

“Now I help my sisters and brothers with their homework,” a jubilant Dirshe revealed. “They will attend Opportunity High School next year.”

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