On September 15, 2009 the Church of Peace officially opened its doors to the Lights ON for Learning Family Literacy Program. This program supports the parents of children enrolled in Rock Island schools to help them learn practical skills, including speaking, reading and writing English. Pictured here are two students, Faila and Tambala, who are from Congo and who speak Swahili at home. They study with their teacher, Katia, also pictured.
This program at the church is a partnership with the Regional Office of Education, Blackhawk College, Rock Island School District 41 and the Church of Peace, funded through State of Illinois grants. We got a late start because of hold ups in state funding.
One of the helpful elements of the program is that childcare for the children in the family who are too young for kindergarten is provided when the adult learners are in the building. Since the class meets at the church they also have access to other kinds of support. Probably the most important and satisfying element of the program is that we are building relationships in community.
No comments:
Post a Comment