Once upon a time, there was a Gilroy woman named Soledad
Figueroa, who was very anxious to learn how to read, write, and
speak English.
“If you can read this, thank a teacher.” – Anonymous teacher
Once upon a time, there was a Gilroy woman named Soledad Figueroa, who was very anxious to learn how to read, write, and speak English. When Soledad heard about an English as a Second Language class being offered at Gilroy Apartments, she seized the opportunity. She joined the class being offered by a tutor from Vision Literacy, a nonprofit whose volunteers help adults learn to read.
When Soledad joined the ESL group, she met a tutor-learner by the name of Elvia Hernandez.
Soledad was very motivated and in just two years, Soledad’s English so improved that she could then in turn help others, Hernandez said. Soledad has tutored a small group for four years now. After she saw what she could do in the way of learning to read, she began to set other goals for herself to achieve.
One of these goals was to get a job. Soledad applied to GO KIDS, a child care program which required an employee with fluent English skills in writing, reading, and speaking. When Soledad was called for an interview, which was conducted completely in English, she got the job!
Next, she dreamed of becoming a citizen of the United States. She worked with tutor Dick Finkes. Now, just one year later, she has become a U.S. citizen. Soledad’s latest goal is to continue to improve her English skills as she works with her third tutor, Judith Dominguez.
“We believe that everyone has something to offer, so we promote students becoming tutors,” Hernandez said. “Some of the students are getting ready to become tutors themselves. Juana V. and Rocio G. are two who are ready to go from being students to being tutors. We have found that the program at Gilroy Apartments is successful because we care and support each other.”
“Being a volunteer tutor has been very rewarding,” said tutor Lenore Kirvay. “I enjoy hearing from my learner how she was able to accomplish tasks that previously weren’t possible for her and how that’s improving her life in small steps. It’s exciting each time I hear about a new milestone she has achieved with her improving ability to read and write and how it has given her added confidence. It’s great to know that I helped her to get there.”
“Our goal is to create as many learning opportunities within the community as possible, so that people can improve their lives and become more self-sufficient in the process. There is help no matter what their current reading level,” said Louise Shields, associate manager of the Vision Literacy Program in South County.
Vision Literacy relies heavily on some 200 volunteers who work as tutors in 12 cities throughout Santa Clara County. The programs feature small group and individual tutoring sessions that focus on specific learner needs. Becoming literate has changed learners’ lives in countless ways as they become empowered and involved community members.
This weekend you can help someone learn to read by shopping at Gilroy’s Barnes & Noble Book Faire. During the event, which runs Jan. 9-11, from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., a portion of the store’s proceeds will benefit the Vision Literacy Program. The children’s story area will also hold readings from 12 to 2 p.m. each day.
Opportunities to learn
– Two-hour ESL classes are taught at Gilroy Apartments, 500 I00F St., at 10 a.m. Monday through Friday and at 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. There is also a basic computer class offered at the apartments twice a week at 10 a.m. Classes are also offered at GANAS, 7425 Eigelberry St., at 6 p.m., Mondays and Wednesdays.
– Computer classes at Eliot Elementary School, 475 Old Gilroy St., will start up Jan. 12th from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays.
– One-on-one tutoring is also available by appointment at Vision Literacy, 42 Martin St.,
Details: Louise Shields at (408) 848-5366.
