An article came out in the Portland paper regarding Somalis taking courses in English in the new building on the corner of Bates and Birch streets. The article was written by David A. Fahrenthold of the Washington Post. Sue Charron administers the program.

Somalis, although as intelligent as anyone else, need to learn the English language to get a job. For some, welfare is tied to their going to class to learn English. This is a very good idea.

However, in the article, one man said some Somalis just go to spend their time and qualify for welfare. It would seem that part of their attending should be tied to taking a test to see if they are learning or not.

If they don’t pass the examination for what they should have learned up to a given time, then they should not qualify for aid.

Bob Soucy, Lewiston