Family Literacy Program

ERICA’S STORY

I heard about the program about 7 years ago. I was working at the time, and I could not attend the English classes. However, soon after I stopped working, I decided to enroll in the Family Literacy Program at Verde Elementary School. I also enrolled my first son, Manuel, who was 4 years old at the time, in the Children’s Early Learning Center. Through the program, the Parenting classes, and PCILA (parent and child interactive literacy activity) workshops, I have learned how to interact and treat my children with respect. Unfortunately, in my country there is not all this information out there. Here at the FLP I have had the opportunity to learn through the workshops about how to be a better parent.

All this information has helped me to better my relationship and communication with my husband. I share with him all the information I get about how to help our children’s growth and education. My husband works a lot and has very little time to spend with the children, so all the information I receive I share with him. I have seen the difference in his interaction with the children; he takes the time to look at their work, admire their activities and gives them words of encouragement and praise.

The English classes have helped me to socialize with other people with similar needs; it’s good to know that I am not alone, and I feel much supported by all the staff. I feel more confident now when I help my son (who is currently in the 3rd grade) with his homework. I see the difference with my second son, Daniel, who has grown in the children’s center. His development has been more visual and outstanding than my first son; I was able to support his growth and education because I had acquired more experience in the program. Also, when my husband needs to fill in forms or applications, I am the one who helps him. Even my sister calls me to ask what a certain word means or how to say certain words. I am very happy with my progress. I’m currently taking a workshop in Early Childhood because I want to learn more about children’s development.

I am not the only one who has learned and grown from the Family Literacy program. My children and family have also benefited! It’s not just the English classes. English classes can be taken at other places, but there is no other program like this one where the focus is to empower the whole family by providing a variety of themes to inform, educate and strengthen the whole family. This program changes the mentality of the parents to become more active and supportive of their children’s education.”