Instructors teach English language to Afghan refugees at Fort McCoy

WISCONSIN (CBS 58) -- Thousands of Afghan refugees are still being housed at Fort McCoy.

For many of them, it's not only shelter, but also a place for them to learn English.

Instructors are teaching refugees of all ages about the English language and American culture.

One of the teachers, an Afghan refugee himself, hopes these classes set his students up for a bright future.

"I'm so happy to help them, even to learn how to converse, so I hope for a better future for them," said teacher Painda Mohammad Mashal.

Fort McCoy offers two classes for kids and classes for adults at multiple levels.

Many adult students already have advanced degrees in Afghanistan and are learning English to finish their studies in the U.S.