Mohammad Jawad Matin arrived in the U.S. from Afghanistan with the hope of transitioning to an office-based career. Having previously worked as a waiter, he faced challenges in pursuing his dreams due to limited English proficiency and a lack of formal digital skills.
Jawad enrolled in CWS Lancaster’s Afghan Career Pathways program this summer and worked closely with Ahmadullah Waziry, Career Pathways Navigator, to identify his short and long-term goals. “When I met Jawad he looked very frustrated. When I explained my role — that I help Afghan refugees to get to their career goals — he said he wanted to learn English, but didn’t know how to learn it or where to go for support,” Waziry explains. Jawad communicated to Waziry that he wanted to change his career path and didn’t want to continue working in labor his whole life. “I told him I was here to help him get to his goal,” Waziry reflects. Jawad enrolled in English as a Second Language (ESL) classes through IU13 and Catholic Charities. Once he learned ESL, he wanted to learn digital literacy skills, and so Waziry enrolled him in the Tec Centro IT Class in January and graduated in June. Over the course of six months, Jawad developed strong digital literacy and enhanced his English fluency. These advancements led to a position at Popeyes, where his new skills and dedication quickly earned him a promotion to General Manager. “His employer knew that Jawad’s English was improved and he had learned digital literacy skills, so they offered him Store General Manager,” Waziry says proudly. “He is very happy.”
“Since I met Waziry at CWS, he helped me learn English and digital literacy, and now I am managing a local restaurant — feeling proud and very happy. My final goal is to have my own business,” he shares.
Jawad enjoys living in Lancaster and appreciates the warm welcome he has received. His employer is thrilled to have him on the team.
“I love that I get paid well, manage the staff, and hire new team members. Lancaster is a welcoming city for refugees. It’s a great quiet city, the weather is awesome, and the people here are very good,” he reflects.
He encourages new neighbors seeking employment in the U.S. to focus on learning English, believing that adjusting to the area and achieving success will naturally follow.
“Work hard to learn the language; it will help you find your way.”
*Stock photo used to protect identity.