In May, Project Worthmore began a class for students who wanted to learn to read. For many of our students, getting an education has been an opportunity not open to them, so the effort put into learning English can be quite a challenge. When learning the English alphabet we are using English words that have meanings that are also being learned for the first time. For me, the experience of teaching this class has been most gratifying and one in which profound change happens very quickly.

Refugee Students Learning English with Liz (Video Clip, 21 Seconds)

Take, for example, a woman in her sixties. She never went to school. She had no idea how letters were linked to sounds. She began coming with her friend in May. Her friend, somewhat of an extrovert, was already doing quite well with verbal English vocabulary, so the linking of sounds to letters made a lot of sense to her. The friend advanced through the materials very quickly, while my 60-year old student struggled and struggled, unsure of her every move. Then one day sounds and letters came together for her. These sounds and letters linked together, created other sounds that were words.

She’d read a word–then said it in her own language trying to teach me the word. She hugged me. She kissed me. Tears came to her eyes. She held my hand for a long time and looked at me. Certainly this was one of the most moving moments of my career in teaching.

Liz Teaching English (Video Clip, 18 Seconds)

Everyday I see people making progress. I am so appreciative for this experience. I also appreciate the volunteers who come every week so that we can work one-on-one as each student sets their own pace for learning. I am moved by how each volunteer guides the students and the diligence, drive and initiative that bring the students to the classes each week. Each student in this Literacy class is also a student in the Level 1 class which meets three times a week. As I watch their English and understanding of language progress with their new knowledge of reading, the learning process is accelerated.

I am always humbled by the lives of these students and the experiences that have brought them to these moments of learning. I am humbled by the courage with which they each meet the challenge of living here in Denver and all that they must do in order to make this a successful transition and way of life.

Thank you, for this would not be possible without you.

Liz