The Family Literacy program at Brookside Educational Center helps whole families become better readers, writers and speakers of English.

Tuesday, January 08, 2002

The Family Literacy program at Brookside Educational Center helps whole families become better readers, writers and speakers of English. But it can also help families in other ways.

&uot;Whatever adult learning they need, we can help them with – whatever skills training is needed,&uot; said Diane Hill, ABE/Family Literacy Coordinator.

The Family Literacy program offers the chance for parents of young children to earn their GED and/or learn English as a second language, along with parenting skills. Parenting skills are included since a parent is a child’s first teacher, said Hill.

The primary focus is the adults, however, and the children are involved because of their parents’ participation, she said. The general goals are to earn a GED and become more proficient in English. But since each student is unique, the goals are often customized to fit their individual needs, she said.

And the community benefits from programs like this, said Hill. This is the kind of program that moves people away from dependency into self-sufficiency.

&uot;It saves money in the long run. When people are literate they are more employable, and the quicker they can become independent and a contributing member of the community,&uot; she said.

The number of participants changes with changes in jobs and family situations. Currently, 15 families are participating in the program in Albert Lea, with an equal number of children and adults enrolled.

Adults currently enrolled are from all over the world – Mexico, Cuba, Honduras, Puerto Rico, Russia, Ethiopia and Turkey. Skill levels range from non-literate in any language up to precollege in English. According to Betsy Schroeder, a teacher with the program, several are already well-educated, with college degrees or other advanced schooling from the countries they came from.

Family Literacy can use volunteer tutors to help with their program.

And their requirements are pretty minimal. According to Hill, they can use tutors who speak English, have the time, enthusiasm and patience to work with people one-on-one, and are willing to help with reading and vocabulary.

&uot;Volunteers do not need to be teachers,&uot; said Schroeder.

Registration for adults wishing to enroll in the Family Literacy program begins at 9 a.m. on Mondays. Those interested are asked to call Hill at 379-4867.