For the first time in over a decade, Literacy Network will mark June 20^th’s World Refugee Day without any federal funding to support refugee programming. The Madison nonprofit will lose close to $200,000 in annual federal funding for its Refugee Program at the end of July, jeopardizing support for nearly 200 refugees already living in Dane County who rely on its English classes, tutoring, and case management as they build new lives in the U.S.

“World Refugee Day honors the courage and resilience of people forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution” says Literacy Network Executive Director Robin Ryan. “Refugees are our neighbors, coworkers, business owners, and future citizens. The whole community benefits when refugees receive support to build successful lives here. This elimination of funding is a major loss for our community.”

Literacy Network has served refugees in Dane County since the 1980s, helping successive waves of newcomers from around the world build English skills and connect to the community. Today, nearly 200 refugee students participate in Literacy Network programs each year—three times as many as a decade ago. Current refugee students have arrived from 20 countries, with the majority from Afghanistan, Venezuela, Nicaragua, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ukraine, Haiti, and Syria. Although refugee arrivals to Madison have slowed dramatically under the current administration, the need remains significant for refugees already living in our community.

“Taking classes at Literacy Network provides refugee students with a sense of stability, a safe place to learn, and a connection with other refugees and community members,” says Ena Langendijk, Literacy Network’s Refugee Services Manager. “It can take many years to learn a language and acclimate to life in a new country. We help them develop the language and literacy skills needed to reach their employment, education, and personal goals.”

One of these students is Theo, a Rwandan refugee who arrived in Madison in 2018 after spending 20 years as a refugee in Zambia. Theo first improved his English in Literacy Network’s group ESL class, then enrolled in the citizenship program, where he studied for, and passed, the U.S. citizenship test. He now has stable employment and is excited to exercise his right to vote. “Literacy Network brings someone to be integrated in the local society,” he says. “They teach me how to communicate. Now, my goal is to be a homeowner, to live a good life, and to be a good citizen.”

While funding has been eliminated for now, Literacy Network is committed to supporting refugees already here and maintaining the infrastructure and expertise it has developed over 40+ years so they can welcome refugees again in the future. “We are extremely fortunate to live and work a community that supports refugees. Last year, when we lost federal funding for our Citizenship Program, the community stepped in to fill the gap, resulting in a record number of new citizens in 2025,” states Robin Ryan. “Now, we are asking the community to help maintain vital services for refugees, who have been through so much and have already invested in building new lives in Dane County.”

Community members can support Literacy Network's refugee programs by making a donation at www.litnetwork.org/donate, volunteering as a tutor, or contacting the organization to learn more.

About Literacy Network: Since 1974, Literacy Network has helped adults develop the language and literacy skills needed to reach their employment, education, and personal goals. Nearly all of its students come from low-income households and the majority are people of color. In 2025, its record 1,724 students came from 81 different countries and spoke 66 different languages.