"Education is Key": Meet Halima Ainte, Adult Education Learner

Halima Ainte’s story begins in Somalia, where she once lived with her family. But when a civil war erupted and the country faced challenges, everything changed. In an act of compassion for other widows, Halima created an organization to help them. That’s when extremist leaders threatened her for her advocacy work, forcing her to flee the country. 

Escaping the war, she spent many years in Uganda at the Nakivale refugee settlement. Halima’s experience with the English language made her invaluable as a translator and advocate for other refugees who didn’t speak the language. Her volunteer work was so impactful that she was named Uganda’s ‘Refugee Woman of the Year’.

When she arrived in Minneapolis in 2017, she joined the English Language Learning (ELL) level 3 in Minneapolis Adult Education. Progressing through class levels while working part-time at a hospital, Halima is now in pursuit of the Adult Diploma with an estimated graduation at the end of 2025. 

"Education is the key," Halima repeats throughout her interview. As an advocate, her work within the Minneapolis immigrant community extends beyond acting as a translator. She actively encourages other immigrants to pursue education, regardless of age. “I’m 70 years old and I am doing it. Nobody should say they are too old to do something”, she said. 

Halima's example has inspired countless others in Minneapolis's immigrant community to pursue their own educational goals and will continue long after she walks across the graduation stage. As she looks to the future, one thing remains certain for Halima: Education isn't just personal achievement; it's a tool for community transformation.

Adult Education & Family Literacy Week

September 14-20, 2025

Once a year, educators from all over the country join together with adult learners, community partners, business leaders, and legislators to celebrate and amplify our voices. Stay tuned this week for more posts about Minneapolis Adult Education and our impact in the community!