Adult Learning Center student Maria Theresa with her teachers Marian and Paula. When Maria Theresa was sworn in as a citizen in July 2013, both teachers were in the audience to cheer her on.
Over the past fiscal year, the Wellspring Adult Learning Center continues to be busy and exciting. Our English for Speakers of other Languages (ESOL) program served 69 English language learners throughout this past year. An additional 4 students worked on literacy, math, or GED test preparation skills. We are grateful for the 28 dedicated volunteer tutors who have made it possible to assist a total of 73 adults in making gains in their language and other educational goals.
Our students are a diverse group representing a range of backgrounds and educational experiences. Our ESOL students this year came from a variety of counties including: Egypt, Cambodia, Brazil, Haiti, South Korea, Italy, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, Iraq, Guatemala, Mexico, China, Honduras, and Columbia. Our GED students also present with a range of educational backgrounds, work experiences, and training needs.
The center continues to offer both daytime and evening hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Approximately 35 students are active participants in Adult Learning Center activities throughout any week. Students usually meet with teachers 1 to 2 times per week. While some students work with us briefly, most work diligently over many months and even years. Less frequently, students meet with staff on a limited basis for testing and referral to other programs.
Wellspring is grateful to the Sawyer Free Library for providing our classroom space. The space accommodates one-on-one teacher/student pairs and small group classes equally well. We encourage students to get library cards and bring students down into the adult and children’s library whenever possible. The library continues to be a perfect setting for the Adult Learning Center. It is our hope that students and their families will take advantage of library resources throughout the week.
It has been a pleasure and honor to collaborate with the adult learners and volunteers at the Wellspring Adult Learning Center. As we move into our seventh year, we continue to celebrate the joy of life-long learning. We look forward to providing another year of service to Cape Ann adults striving to learn English and to reach their educational goals.
Wellspring Adult Learning Center Coordinator
October 21, 2013