English is a language which could easily open doors to a world of whole new adventure. Is English the best language? Is English the greatest? No, I don’t know. But what I do know is it has improved the lives of several non-native speakers of the language. As a proof for my statement, I would like to tell you that through the Family Literacy Program conducted in Fruitvale Elementary School in Oakland, California several mothers, aunts and grandmothers of the students of the school have enhanced their lives.
We know that America has so many immigrants living in it. Of course, America as it is called ‘Land of the free’ hosts people from myriad culture and languages. The parents/guardians who teach their child at home, who are mostly women, find it hard to help the young ones due to their inadequate knowledge of English. Fruitvale Elementary School decided to teach the parents as well. After they drop their child, the parents who express interest are given basic English literacy by the school staff in a separate classroom. The classes are taken by elementary school teachers, who remain patient, committed and train the parents just like how they would train a 1st grade child when it comes to teaching English.
Mostly women, who are the builders of the family, take part in it happily and focus on acquiring English. Fruitvale is just one of the 100 schools in California that focuses on teaching the parents. Feedbacks from the parents have been highly positive. They are able to assist their kids when they read for the next day’s classes. On a personal level, these women who are from Saudi, Spain, Brazil and other foreign nations have gained confidence to communicate with people as well.
Some parents have taken Advanced English in the colleges near their locale. English has improved their lives. Of course English alone wouldn’t make you a millionaire but it will surely help your kids, your nephews or those under your care to become a millionaire. It will be really of great help if our Coimbatore also begins such Family Literacy Programs.