Hi everyone, my name is Ben Adler. Through the UNR International Center and the Northern Nevada Literacy Council am currently volunteering my time, 12 hours a week, to teach English to recently arrived Syrian refugees here in Reno. Despite all of the hardships they have come through, and the fact that they speak virtually no English my students are determined to learn, so they can make their new lives here in America easier. I greatly enjoy our classes together and can easily say that of the hundreds I have taught, they are the most dedicated students I have ever had!
Unfortunately, there are members in every family, who because of child care commitments, or serious medical issues, are unable to attend sessions. I don't want them to get left behind, so I though of a solution.
I would like to raise enough money to get each of the six (updated) current and soon to arrive families Rosetta Stone software and reliable Windows laptops to run it and USB headsets. This would let each family member have their own account (5 per software package), and move at their own pace. I prefer this over any internet based system, as internet at home is a luxury some cannot afford.
I have used Rosetta Stone for learning both German and Korean, and both times it exceeded my expectations. When I was a high school exchange student in rural Japan, however, I went knowing nothing, and struggled with a long period of isolation and frustration, learning with old textbooks after I arrived, before things finally clicked. I know that is what many of my students are feeling right now.
I want every member of every family here, even if they are stuck at home most of the time, to be able to go out into our community and have the language skills necessary to foster positive interactions. I want them to feel welcome here in every way possible. I sincerely appreciate your help.