Dr. Jean DeVard-Kemp
Assistant Commissioner
Office of Adult Literacy

IN THIS ISSUE

The Cherokee Learning Center in Canton, Georgia serves students from Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas. Students come to the center with a desire to learn to read, write, and speak English alongside American students who are studying basic skills.

Some foreign-born students come to the center just days after their arrival in the United States. Others spend years developing the courage to return to school. Students at the Cherokee Learning Center range from 16 to 80 years of age. Many are self-conscious initially. Some have not had any formal education. Others have graduated from universities with decades of professional experience, but cannot function with poor English skills.

From left to right: James "Diego" Hunter, A.P.M. Zinsou,
Maritza Sojo, Francisco Benitez and Gloria Cuellar.

With cultural differences and the school's open-door policy, one might expect frustration. Quite the opposite is true. The center is an inspiration for students. It is perceived by many as a first step in achieving independence and integration into society.

Those who attend classes believe that learning to read, write, and comprehend the English language is a source of power. These students have praised the U.S. government for offering free basic education to all who are willing to attend classes. Many have remarked that this sort of opportunity does not exist in their native countries.

Francisco Benitez, a 1999 Level III ELP participant in the EAGLE Awards competition, says that a person who can read, write, and speak English is guaranteed better career choices, a higher salary, and thus a better standard of life. He sees each level of completion as an opportunity to continue studying at a higher level. "Education allows a person to know what is going on around him in the world," Benitez said.

Maritza Sojo, a 1999 Level II ELP participant in the EAGLE competition, concludes that a person who reads and writes is better prepared to participate in everyday life. Both Francisco and Maritza agree with Gloria Cuellar, a Level I ELP participant. Gloria says that a good command of English goes beyond just being able to converse. "A person must be able to communicate accurately in writing, and be able to read in order to learn his or her rights and defend himself or herself socially, legally, and financially," Cuellar said.

English Literacy Program Teacher A.P.M. Zinsou says many of her students expect to learn just enough to meet their daily needs, but after a few lessons are hooked. When they discover that they are able to ask and answer questions in English and be understood, it's like magic. "It gives them confidence to learn more so they can do more. What they learn, they put to immediate use."

"The ability to speak and be understood encourages students to work harder in the classroom and the community. They feel better about themselves at work, and their productivity increases," Zinsou said. Zinsou recognizes that the next generation of readers is an increasingly diversified one, yet they share a common goal. They want to get an education, share what they've learned, and participate in the cycle of learning by serving as mentors for the next generation of learners.