Plymouth Man Helps Somali Immigrants
A Plymouth man started a nonprofit to help Somali immigrants with financial literacy. Abdirisaq Moallin is the director of East African Development Agency (EADA), a nonprofit in Minneapolis. The goal of the organization is to teach financial literacy, business development and home ownership.
“That’s the American dream and if you don’t have home ownership, business and educating your kids, you’re not going to be a successful resident to that neighborhood or country,” said Moallin.
He says when immigrants move from their country to the United States, they sometimes have issues with the financial system. Language, cultural and religion can sometimes be a barrier.
EADA starts by teaching financial basics. Examples include how to manage a checking and savings account or how to look for discrepancies on statements.
“At the beginning we had people who were scared to open a checking account or saving account or even take their money to the bank,” said Moallin. “Now they feel very comfortable.”
The agency offers monthly classes. For more information log onto visit eada-mn.org.
