Help me Raise Funds for My Adult Literacy Program

Teaching adults from all over the world how to read, write and speak in English has been one of the most enriching and rewarding experiences I have had so far in life. I have met some very inspiring and motivated people and have been introduced to many cultures from around the globe.

I tutor a woman from Pakistan who has had little formal education in her home country and almost none in English. But you will be surprised when Shazia starts speaking in almost flawless English. She says most of it she has self-taught herself. Shazia is a substitute teacher at a preschool and she wants to improve her reading and writing so that she can give ECE exam and become a full-time teacher.

The other day I took a crossword puzzle to class and Shazia said “”I have seen people play this. but I never knew how”. I explained her the rules and solved a few hints with her. She was so happy and excited and said “I am so happy I am solving my first crossword”. Determined and hardworking people like Shazia keeps me motivated to do what I do.

Ricardo moved from Mexico few years back with his wife and baby daughter. When I asked him why does he want to learn English, he said, “Because it is necessary, for everything” – now that is either too simple or too profound! Last week I gave him an assignment to write a letter to me from Mexico and that left him stumped. Ricardo said he has never written a letter. Ever. Not even an email! We wrote one together. And the next week he completed his assignment. He wrote his first ever letter. He was very proud of himself, but it was me who was wiping away a tear of joy from the corner of my eye!

It is so easy to take simple abilities for granted like, solving a crossword puzzle, writing a letter and chronicling your travels. I have been a believer of life-long learning and always try to learn something new. This role reversal of being a teacher instead of the student, has been a very unique experience. It is very gratifying to see a learner walk away with a little more knowledge, a little more confidence and a lot of smiles.