by Janine Fleri
Posted on: July 22, 2026
VAL students Mashaer and Abbas have been making the news lately, having recently purchased Kismayo Kitchen, a beloved spot for Somali-inspired cuisine in Burlington’s Old North End. The entrepreneurial couple also owns the Sudanese Halal Market, which they opened in Winooski earlier this year. Mashaer and Abbas first landed in Vermont four years ago, resettling
by Janine Fleri
Posted on: July 8, 2026
Wren is one of fourteen learners recently celebrated at VAL’s Franklin/Grand Isle Graduation and Recognition ceremony. In addition to receiving their GED, Wren was also inducted into the National Adult Education Honor Society, a reflection of their dependable attendance, cooperative attitude, and strong work ethic. Wren overcame several challenges on their path to learning with
by Janine Fleri
Posted on: March 2, 2026
Community partnerships are expanding access to safe, legal driving for multilingual learners at Vermont Adult Learning’s Windham County Learning Center in Brattleboro. Driver’s education is now underway through a growing collaboration between Vermont Adult Learning, the Brattleboro Area Immigrant Driving Academy, and the Adult Immigrant Driver Safety Program of the Windham County Sheriff’s Department. The
by Janine Fleri
Posted on: January 13, 2026
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be one of Vermont’s adult learners? Hear what our students have to say about working with VAL!
by Janine Fleri
Posted on: December 17, 2025
The St. Albans staff found an extra reason to celebrate this holiday season as they cheered for Tammy (middle), who completed her high school diploma on Monday. Tammy will be joining the class of 2026 in June at Bellows Free Academy in Fairfax as a graduate through the Adult Diploma Program. In a season all
by Janine Fleri
Posted on: November 15, 2025
Bobby, a father of three who earned his GED through VAL, discovered an interest in renovation work after graduating. He saw an ad for VAL’s Energy Works program and eagerly enrolled in the two-week weatherization training, mastering new tools and earning Industry-Recognized Credentials that helped him secure his dream job with CVOEO’s weatherization team. When
by Janine Fleri
Posted on: November 14, 2025
When Hussam arrived in Rutland nearly eight years ago, he brought with him not only his family and a deep sense of hope but also a dream to continue to build his career. Back home in Syria, Hussam worked as an accountant before conflict forced his family to flee to Turkey, where they lived before
by Janine Fleri
Posted on: November 13, 2025
Damien was the student guest speaker at our recent 45th Anniversary event, where we welcomed current and former students, staff, community partners, and local lawmakers to honor VAL’s legacy. Damien shared his inspiring story about the path to VAL and how the friendly folks at our Middlebury Learning Center have helped him on his educational
by Janine Fleri
Posted on: November 12, 2025
During our Chittenden County Learning Center graduation celebration earlier this fall, Genesis shared her journey of resilience and determination. Her speech reminds us that every step toward education is a step toward new possibilities: “Hello, my name is Genesis. I’d like to start off by thanking the VAL staff for being so supportive and helpful
by Janine Fleri
Posted on: November 10, 2025
This September, our Rutland County Learning Center celebrated its graduates, and Erin, who recently earned her GED after overcoming tremendous personal challenges, took to the stage to share her journey. Her words, shared here, reflect the power of perseverance, education, and hope: “Good evening, it is an honor to be here with you all! My
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