Literacy program moves

Chris Nelson, a volunteer tutor for the Community Literacy Program of Decatur, and Boni Vrieze, coordinator of the program, show some of the program’s teaching materials.

Chris Nelson, a volunteer tutor for the Community Literacy Program of Decatur, and Boni Vrieze, coordinator of the program, show some of the program’s teaching materials.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

— The Community Literacy Program of Decatur has moved to a new location at the corner of Roller Avenue and Main Street in Decatur.

Decatur's literacy program, which operates in conjunction with the Community Literacy Program of Gravette, has been holding classes in the lobby of the Simmons Foods office since June of 2010.

The program focuses on teaching English as a second language to adults. While many students speak Spanish or Hmong, the program works with any who do not speak English as their first language, according to program coordinator Bonnie Vrieze.

The new building was donated by Peterson Farms, Vrieze said. The program will have plenty of room to grow in the new location, withtwo classrooms, a kitchen, bathroom, lobby and larger meeting room.

“We’re very excited to have this space,” Vrieze said.

Classes have already begun in the new building and a grand opening is in the works. Students have been working on painting and refurbishing the new space.

“They take great pride in being a part of the start-up school,” Vrieze said.

Students who learn English see a lot of improvement in their lives, whether it be job promotions, the ability to get into college, working towards their citizenship or simply to communicate with their doctor or their child’s teacher, Vrieze explained.

Students not only learn English, but essential skills like how to call 911 and tell the operator what is wrong and where to find them, said Chris Nelson, who serves as a volunteer tutor for the program.

For a person who can’t speak English, even a grocery shopping trip can be intimidating. The program empowers students to take on tasks like studying for their GED, filling out job applications, learning how to establish a checking account and generally integrating into the community, Vreize said.

The new, larger meeting space will give the program room to invite guest presenters to talk to students - in English - about topics such as food and nutrition, fire safety and CPR, allowing them to practice their English skills while learning other vital information.

“It builds confidence; it builds self esteem. They are not paranoid to face the decisions they have to face,” Nelson said.

Students complete an evaluation when they start the program to identify their abilities and goals and to match them with materials and tutors.

There is no limit to how long a person can be in the program. Students graduate when they meet their goals, Vrieze explained.

“The students that come here are committed to their development ofthe English language and to being an asset to the community,” she said.

Another bonus to the program is that students don’t pay any fees for classes or materials. The Community Literacy Program of Decatur receives funding though the Care Foundation of Springdale and recently accepted two Walmart grants, one in November for $1,000 and a second in January for $10,000.

The Decatur and Gravette literacy programs currently have 11 students, but 9 are on a list, waiting for tutors to become available.

Volunteer tutors spend about two hours a week with students and only need to know English. They are provided with training and all the materials they need for their students.

Students and tutors agree on a meeting time that is universally convenient, and materials are easy to teach. Tutors do not need to be bilingual.

“We are teaching English,” Nelson said.

For more information, call program coordinator Boni Vrieze at 787-8200.

News, Pages 1 on 02/01/2012