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The International Language Institute of Massachusetts (ILI) promotes intercultural understanding and diverse communities by providing high-quality language instruction and teacher training.

You are here: Home / News / Dreams Do Come True: Brahim’s and Hasnaa’s Story

July 24, 2018

Dreams Do Come True: Brahim’s and Hasnaa’s Story

Anyone who’s had to finance the purchase of their home knows the rigors of that process and the additional amount of money necessary to repay that loan over time. Brahim says although he and his wife Hasnaa long wanted to have a home for themselves and their two children, he never even approached a bank about a mortgage, knowing that his minimum wage salary would not work in the bank’s formula for lending and that even if it did, the tenets of his cultural heritage prohibit him from making the interest payments charged by a bank. For years, therefore, he thought the dream of owning a home in western Mass would never come true.

Brahim was born and lived in Morocco until he was 24 years old, when he came to the United States. He came to Sunderland where a support network of friends helped him and his family with a place to live while they got established. He worked with local agencies to learn English and then attended Greenfield Community College where he studied while working his job in the manufacturing field.

Hearing about Pioneer Valley Habitat through staff at the International Language Institute where he was taking English classes he said, “it gives you hope to know that you can live in a house in a fairly short time and for way less money.” He had been steadily employed at the same job for several years, and was in a good position to apply to become a Habitat homeowner. When he and Hasnaa were not chosen in the first lottery for an Easthampton home, or for an Amherst home that came up a year later, he remained undaunted and told his wife, “One day it will probably be me!”

He was right, and another year later his name came up in two lotteries, one for a Greenfield home and one for a home in Amherst. He and Hasnaa chose Amherst, where Brahim describes dong his sweat equity “like working a second, part time job.” He is happy to do it because, as he says, “the happiest thing is that you are going to own it, have your own space, paint it any color you like. It’s your own house. “He sees their future home as a gift for their children. Their current living situation does not allow them to live the way they would like.

“They want a better life,” he says of his son, age 5 and daughter, 2 1/2 .

“They deserve it.” And what does he think now when he thinks back on all that’s happened? “

So dreams do come true!” he says with a wide grin.

 

Article by ILI Staff / News

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We are honored to be the recipient of the @paradis We are honored to be the recipient of the @paradise_city_arts_festivals silent auction this year during the Memorial Day weekend (May 27-29) at the Hampshire County Fairgrounds. Artists who exhibit and sell their works donate items for the auction. This gives you a chance to take part in the fun of bidding on their great creations while supporting ILI at the same time!

Don’t miss free introductory Spanish classes on Saturday and Sunday, right at the show! We'll be holding three 20-30 minute sessions in the late morning and early afternoon, followed by feedback and suggestions on how to find the ILI language course that’s right for you. Classes are limited to 6-8 people per session, so head to the auction tables when you arrive at the festival and sign up in advance. 

✨Calling all volunteers!
Volunteer with ILI at Paradise City Arts Festival! You get free parking and a free pass into the festival on the day you volunteer. You'll assist ILI staff at the auction tables and booth sit for artists while they take quick lunch and bio-breaks. It's lots of fun, and just think of the wonderful art you'll get to enjoy!

➡️Sign up to volunteer here: https://tinyurl.com/ew76y9ee
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Thanks for creating this video, Jo!

#happybirthday #languagelearning #education #languagelearners #intensiveenglishprogram #northampton #internationallanguageinstitute #massachusetts #ialc
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Giving Voice 2023 brought together many of the stu Giving Voice 2023 brought together many of the students, staff, alumni, board members, donors, and community of supporters that help make ILI thrive. ⭐️ If you didn’t have a chance to make a donation at the event, but would still like to support ILI, visit ili.edu/donate 💌

Thank you to @artifactcider , @provisionswine , @coopersliquors , and @cafebalagan for providing drinks.

The food at #GivingVoice2023 was from restaurants run by former students or student’s family members! Thank you Pangea Sushi, @_azhar_bakery , @masamexicano , and Mosaic Cafe. 🍱🍰

📸 Photos by Paul Specht
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Former student Annie Castaño hosted Giving Voice this year and led the panel discussion by asking Luz, Canser, and Alina questions about their experiences. We heard about their backgrounds, what led them to come to the U.S., their experiences since being here, the communities they’ve found and formed, the ways ILI has impacted their lives, and their future goals. We are so grateful to our students for sharing their stories, it was a highlight of the evening! ⭐️

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A stunning cake made by @_azhar_bakery for #iligiv A stunning cake made by @_azhar_bakery for #iligivingvoice23 🎂
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