ESL classes for adults
Mon–Fri, 9:00 am – noon
Sat & Sun, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Reading, writing and speaking English — the skill that unlocks every other one.
English classes, after-school care, and help getting things done.
We are a community organisation run by and for refugee families in the Greater Lansing area. We teach English, keep children learning after the school day ends, interpret at the appointments that matter, and help people find work.
Our Programs
Everything here is free to members of our community. If you need an interpreter to take part, tell us when you call.
After-school program
Mon–Fri, 4:30 – 7:00 pm
School closed: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
A place for Lansing-area children to study, get help with homework, and stay with friends.
Interpretation & translation
By appointment
Bantu, Chizigua, Swahili, Somali and Burundi — for doctors' visits, court dates and DHS appointments.
Help finding a job
Walk in or call
If you are looking for work, we can put someone alongside you to help you get it.
Our Community
Rooted in Lansing, run by the families we serve.
2008Founded by Somali Bantu families in Lansing
278People in the community we serve
5Languages we interpret in
10Board members and staff, all from the community
About Us
The Bantu are a historically marginalised ethnic group of Somalia. Access to education was restricted long before the civil war began in 1991, and many adults arrived in the United States unable to read or write. The Lansing area is one of Michigan's main refugee resettlement destinations.
We established the Lansing Somali Bantu Organization in 2008 to improve the lives of our community and advocate for what our families need. We began with English classes for children and adults, and rented an office as a meeting space for the community in 2009.
Education remains our first concern. Somali Bantu students are English language learners with limited or interrupted schooling, and they are placed in classes with their same-age peers rather than at the level they last studied. Our after-school program exists to close that gap.
Our mission is to unite the cultures of the Greater Lansing area for the purpose of promoting cooperation and creating harmony among refugee groups. We devote our time and efforts to enhancing the ability of our community members to feel a sense of belonging in the capital city.
Get In Touch
Call ahead if you need an interpreter, and we will make sure someone who speaks your language is here.
Visit us
3135 Pennsylvania Avenue
Lansing, Michigan 48910
Monday to Friday
9:00 am – 4:30 pm