Students learn - and so do teachers
August 12th 2010 21:53
Signature Tune
By Bruce R. Posten
Reading Eagle
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Reading Eagle Press
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Wisdom31 Inc., a faith-based group, is helping meet the English language needs of Latinas, to help them succeed in American society.
Seven women, participants in the organization's summer English-as-a-second-language class, agreed the class has helped them to communicate more fluently to meet practical needs from shopping to visiting doctors and teachers.
While most of the women are full-time mothers now, they felt mastering English will be essential to ultimately finding employment in the future.
"My one daughter is 6 years old, and she is speaking English and helping me," said Lourdes Martinez, 31, Reading, one of the students.
"I can speak and talk, but my mother understands pretty good, too" said Yashira Martinez, 26, who attended the class with her mother, Sandra Delgado, 46, both of Reading and originally from Puerto Rico.
Martinez said her 2-year-old daughter is already quite familiar with such words as mine, give, come here and thank you.
Even the youngest appear to have no problem mastering the basics of English.
But learning language is a two-way street.
For some, it can prove beneficial for knowing the practical importance of English, while others may seek a deeper cultural understanding and want to practice their Spanish.
"We partner with Albright College and have Spanish-student interns who help with our program during the year," said Valerie Bean, Wisdom31 Inc. executive director.
In addition, community volunteers such as Michelle Endy, 41, Wyomissing, and her daughters, Caroline, 15, and Amy, 11, have reaped personal and language rewards from caring for Latino children during the summer classes.
"My children have been learning Spanish in school since second grade," said Endy, a member of Atonement Lutheran Church, Wyomissing.
She was volunteering with her daughters in the preschool or nursery setting in First Presbyterian Church, 37 S. Fifth St..
They help care for the children of adult Latina students. Caroline said she has been volunteering with the faith-based program since she was 10 years old.
"It's a volunteer opportunity for my children to practice speaking the language," Endy said.
In this case, it's Spanish.
Contact Bruce R. Posten: 610-371-5059 or bposten@readingeagle.com.
katyzzz note - learning a language and volunteering as well as social interaction are all good for the brain
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