Adult English & Empowerment

After stumbling across some extra funding in our Schools Uniting Neighborhoods community school program last year, we decided--at the request of some our Spanish-speaking parents--to develop a Rosetta Stone class for 10 adults who were also enrolled in our Adult ESL classes. What we started as an experimental computer language class quickly became our most well-attended, and--surprisingly--one of our most engaging and impactful adult classes at our elementary school. A solid group of parents attended each week, sometimes twice, and it was incredible watching them slowly become more comfortable with their language acquisition, practicing their English with their students, each other, and eventually me, as well.

Their excitement around learning this new language was contagious, and I began inviting them to school meetings and groups and encouraging them to speak up when they had something to share. While they were hesitant at first, I've witnessed them gradually become an integral voice in the community. Whether they're speaking English or their native language, this class has given them the confidence they needed to acknowledge the significance of their thoughts and opinions. Aside from the community impact, they've told me how much they're able to use their English skills in the workplace, with their students' teachers, and in daily interactions--with grocery shopping, public transportation, etc. Additionally, this program served as the first experience using a computer for many of our parents, allowing them access to so many other resources and opportunities.

Now, the year has passed, the funding has run out. These parents, determined to continue their learning and becoming more active members of their community, are planning their own form of fundraising, but I wanted to start my efforts now to provide these classes again as soon as possible. And if we end up raising more than we needed? Well, at our school, 33 different languages are spoken, and 50% of our students (and, presumably, their families) are English Language Learners, so I'm guessing we'll be able to find more parents interested in participating :)

Through our partnership with Rosetta Stone, each license costs $149, and we are hoping to provide the same 10 licenses this school year. Please consider giving to this program that already exists and flourishes, and let it continue to do so!

If you'd like more information about the Schools Uniting Neighborhoods (SUN) community school model, or our agency Metropolitan Family Service (MFS), please visit our website at http://www.metfamily.org/what-we-do/community-schools/ . Thanks!