Summer 2024

 

Dear friends of Project Literacy,

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It’s been extraordinary to see our volunteers, teachers and community members step up in so many ways to meet the needs of our growing new immigrant population this past year. Our program has grown significantly and our Project Literacy family has helped our new learners become more comfortable through English classes, events and most importantly, new friendships.

 

Many of our new students have been at a beginner level. While our classes began to fill up, volunteers teamed up to co-teach classes and keep new learners off waitlists. Our veteran volunteers have led workshops and trainings to help new ones feel comfortable working with beginners. Participants became familiar with a range of techniques, activities, and resources to use in their tutoring sessions. Following the training we matched each tutor with either a single learner or a small group. It’s been truly inspiring to watch how many new classes and matches we’ve been able to create because of our team of volunteers.

 

Our Project Literacy community (learners and their families, tutors, teachers, administrators) have had opportunities to see each other outside of the class at various events. Spring is a great time to get out and be a part of some special celebrations. Some of our learners shared their stories of belonging at the Community Stories event in April. We also enjoyed a Porchfest family walking group for PL community members organized by the Friends of Project Literacy. We love the tradition of ending our academic year with the End-of-Year picnic at Filippello Park. This is an annual potluck event for everyone where families gather in the park to celebrate themselves and each other.

 

As we head into the summer, we’re collaborating with the Watertown Public Schools to open up parent classes this summer to meet the needs of the growing Watertown English Language Learner (ELL) parent population. These classes will teach general English as well as help parents navigate the Watertown school system through seminars and training. These classes will be offered at different levels, twice a week on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and will be held at the J R Lowell Elementary School. Ideally, these summer learners will continue into our academic year classes. In addition, Project Literacy is working with the WFPL Teen Department to host a weekly conversation class for ELL teens over the summer.

 

Thank you for helping us meet the growing need for ELL classes in our community. Donations through Friends of Project Literacy have helped us meet our learners’ immediate needs, including a truly community-based adult ELL textbook and additional space for training and classrooms at local churches. With all of your support, we’ve been able to grow as our community grows. 

 

With thanks and best wishes,

Janet Saied

Program Director, Project Literacy