Kidist Kassie works as a lead teacher for MHP’s Community Life Play and Learn program at 7610 Maple apartment in Takoma Park. Both of her two kids were enrolled in the same program. While in Ethiopia, she studied IT. Kidist and her husband moved to the US in 2017 for better opportunities. In 2019, she and her husband moved to Takoma Park because of the large Ethiopian community as well as the many good things they learned about the area.  

Although IT is her academic background, Kidist said she has always loved working with children, expressing gratitude to MHP for the chance to make an impact and connect with kids in her community. She relates to the families who send their children to MHP’s Play and Learn program in that many of them are from her culture and are parents, just like her. 

“One of my favorite things is seeing the children become comfortable in the classroom. When they first arrive, they are very little. It’s their first time in school and they are shy or scared. But after a week or two, their fear is gone, and they start loving it here. When I see that, I’m like, really happy. Sometimes I help kids when they struggle. Once, we had a new student hide under the table because he didn’t want to come. I sat down and patiently talked to him until he rejoined the group,” she said.  

Over the year, Kidist teaches the kids many skills they need for kindergarten, including writing and reading. She said many of the parents appreciate the program, especially because there are no other programs like this for three-year-olds. “They say their kids come home and they are more polite and helpful. They also play better with other kids in the playground. These social skills are just as important as academics,” she said.  

We’re grateful to have community members like Kidist play a role in our classrooms and enhance the culture of MHP.