Employment Facilitation News
Inaugural LearnMore Cohort Begin Accelerated 22-day Nurse Assistant Course
On June 17, 2019, the inaugural LearnMore» cohort began the 22-day weekday nurse assistant training course. The all-female cohort represent five different countries including, USA, Nigeria, Myanmar (Burma), Sudan, and South Sudan. The accelerated asset-building program trains students to obtain skills required of an entry-level healthcare career.
Two Newcomers from Nigeria Complete Certified Nursing Assistant Training
In October 2018, two San Diego newcomers from Nigeria successfully completed the 22-day accelerated CNA (certified nursing assistant) training program. A previous graduate of the CNA program referred both women. NSDI (Nile Sisters Development Initiative) facilitates asset-building CNA vocational training» for refugees, asylees, asylum seekers, and qualified individuals from other underserved or disadvantaged backgrounds. Offering tremendous growth opportunity in the San Diego region, the CNA vocation welcomed a total of 84 NSDI-facilitated graduates between 2012 and 2018.
Father Flees Nigeria, Overcomes Refugee Discrimination, and Earns Nursing Assistant Certificate
Kay S. came to San Diego from Nigeria in June 2017. Economic instability and political violence had forced him to seek better opportunities in order to support his family. In Nigeria, as a seasoned educator and counselor, Kay taught college-level creative arts and provided career guidance.
The culture shock and discrimination that Kay faced after US arrival deeply affected him. “I suffered physically and emotionally because of the persecution,” he says.
Ethiopian Mother Receives Employment Offer after Completing CNA Training
Winta hails from Ethiopia. At the age of 26, she was forced to abandon her education in her home country and flee for safety. She sought asylum in San Diego in 2006, and after arrival, Winta struggled and lived with a variety of roommates until she was able to obtain a work permit.
One day, while visiting a neighboring business at the Nile Sisters Development Initiative ( NSDI ) office complex, Winta walked in to learn more about vocational training programs. Months later, she enrolled in the certified nursing assistant ( CNA ) program in order to gain new skills required of an entry-level healthcare career.
Mother of Two Completes Accelerated CNA Program
Originally from Eritrea, Haimanot endured conflict in her home country before it forced her family to flee to Ethiopia. Haimanot recalls violent encounters with armed government forces that pushed and shoved innocent civilians out of their homes. Children were not immune, and Haimanot witnessed violent acts committed against her parents. At the young age of 16, Haimanot sought asylum in the United States. First, she landed in Oakland, California, where she sought to learn English and adjust to the new culture. In 2002, she relocated to San Diego and tried a variety of employment options—including driving a taxi and styling hair—to support her family, including two young boys.
Three Successfully Complete Accelerated CNA Training Program
The CNA ( certified nursing assistant ) vocation offers tremendous growth opportunity in the San Diego region. In fact, CNA is considered an in-demand job by the local workforce development board. NSDI ( Nile Sisters Development Initiative ) facilitates accelerated 22-day CNA training for refugees, asylees / asylum seekers and other qualified individuals from underserved and disadvantaged backgrounds.
Between September and October 2017, three NSDI-sponsored trainees completed the CNA asset-building program. The participants hail from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Republic of Haiti, and the United States. Their primary languages are Swahili, Haitian Creole, and Spanish. One additional student, originally from Jordan, is due to complete CNA training in November 2017.
September, National Workforce Development Month
The month of September is recognized nationally as Workforce Development Month», a period in which to highlight the efforts of professionals who play a pivotal role in promoting workforce development to meet the needs of local employers, apprenticeship programs, and job seekers.
As a member of the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals», Nile Sisters Development Initiative ( NSDI ) facilitates a healthcare workforce development program for economically and environmentally disadvantaged populations. The NSDI certified nursing assistant ( CNA ) program avails skill-building training to refugees and asylum seekers / asylees to generate a diverse, culturally and linguistically proficient healthcare workforce. Regarded as an in-demand job in the San Diego region, the CNA vocation serves as a pipeline to advanced healthcare careers. In 2016, of surveyed participants who completed the NSDI CNA program, 89% expressed interest in advancing their career in the healthcare field.
New Education and Career Opportunities for Refugees and Asylees / Asylum Seekers in San Diego
Current data from the County of San Diego indicate that unemployment rates for refugees remain high. Limited education and gainful career opportunities lead to short- and long-term disparities for such vulnerable communities.
Nile Sisters Development Initiative ( NSDI ) combats this challenge by availing asset-building programs, including training in careers projected to grow in the San Diego region and beyond. According to the San Diego Workforce Partnership», the number of health care jobs projected to be available in San Diego in five years is 19,105. The nursing-assistant vocation is one of the top five occupations in the healthcare industry. Refugees and asylees / asylum seekers who successfully complete the NSDI accelerated 22-day CNA ( certified nursing assistant ) program typically achieve employment within 60 days of program completion / certification.
Nigerian Asylum Seeker Graduates Certified Nursing Assistant Program
Julie O.* came to the United States from Nigeria in August 2015. A local attorney thought she would benefit from and recommended that Julie enroll in the accelerated 22-day CNA (certified nursing assistant) skill-building program that Nile Sisters Development Initiative ( NSDI ) facilitates.
Julie enjoys the nursing profession, has previously worked as a personal care giver, and has completed health care courses in addition to CNA classes. In July 2017, Julie successfully completed her CNA program and passed both portions of California State exam needed to earn her certification. She recently received a CNA job offer.
New Cohort Enrolls in Employment Facilitation Program
In July 2017, a new group of applicants from refugee and immigrant backgrounds participated in the Nile Sisters Development Initiative ( NSDI ) mandatory one-week orientation, which precedes an accelerated 22-day CNA ( certified nursing assistant ) training program. The CNA program allows newcomers and individuals from economically disadvantaged backgrounds to partake in asset-building training in order to attain gainful employment in the healthcare field, one of San Diego County’s in-demand job sectors. A total of 15 individuals, representing six countries on three different continents, expressed interest in the CNA program during the July orientation cycle.
Candidates who successfully complete their orientation will begin their August / September CNA training at an accredited training institution in either San Diego or El Cajon.
