Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Literacy – Spanning North America :: Calgary AB :: Monmouth Co NJ :: Napa Co CA


Literacy: Spanning North America      

Newcomers illiterate in native tongue struggle to learn English
Programs look to overcome education shortfall while integrating immigrants and refugees
CBC: 4.15.2018 by Mackenzie Hermann and Isabelle Bennett

They sing songs, memorize the days of the week, learn how to hold a pencil and practice writing their names. Donna Clarke's adult students are all newcomers who, for various reasons, lack literacy in both English and their native tongue.

That lack of education is just one of many challenges confronting refugees and immigrants learning English — something that is expected of anyone residing in English Canada. But several Calgary-based organizations are actively working to overcome these challenges.

Among them is the Calgary Immigrant Education Society, where Clarke works. She teaches one of 76 different classes offered by the society.

What makes her class different is that it caters to students with less than eight years of education in their native language.

Educational barriers
That lack of education may be a result of gender, age, poverty, geographical challenges or family responsibilities.

In many instances, Clarke's students are refugees whose education was interrupted by conflict.  READ MORE >>

Monmouth County Woman to be Honored at Literacy NJ Conference
Central Jersey: 4.17.2018 by Literacy NJ

Ocean Township resident Eileen Ortiz of Literacy Volunteers of Monmouth County will be honored for her efforts to advance adult literacy at Literacy New Jersey’s annual conference on April 21.

Literacy New Jersey, which provides free adult literacy programs and U.S. citizenship classes in eight counties, will present the award at its annual Literacy for Life Conference at The College of New Jersey in Ewing. The event brings together 200 students, tutors, adult educators and board members from across the state for a day of professional development.

“At our annual Literacy for Life Conference, participants work to advance a common goal: To improve adult literacy in New Jersey,” Literacy NJ’s CEO Elizabeth Gloeggler said. “Our students, tutors, educators and board members learn new skills, share experiences and celebrate the successes of our learners. It is always an inspiring and energizing day.”

Adult learner Eileen Ortiz will receive the 2018 Award for Student Excellence. Eileen came to Literacy Volunteers of Monmouth County in March 2016 to improve her reading and writing skills to help with her job.  READ  MORE >>

@NapaLibraries
Help out with Adult Literacy Program
Napa Valley Register: 4.18.2018 by Dan Martin

In late 2017, the Register featured a front-page article on Gina Peterson, who obtained her high school diploma while being incarcerated at the Napa County jail. As indicated in the article, the Adult Literacy Program from Napa County Library was one of several organizations involved with helping Gina to reach her goal under such challenging conditions.

It was through the Adult Literacy Program that I became involved, acting as Gina's tutor. Working under this capacity, I wanted to share how gratifying it was to have the opportunity, as a volunteer, to make such a positive impact on someone's life.

And, it is Robin Rafael and the amazing staff at Adult Literacy Program who made my job so easy. Her group did most of the "heavy lifting," such as screening Gina's literacy level, supplying me with necessary material, and coordinating between all involved parties.

If you are looking for something meaningful and purposeful, I highly recommend looking into becoming a volunteer tutor through the Adult Literacy Program.  READ MORE >>

No comments: