A part-time seamstress originally from Iraq had been in the United States for many years but had not learned to speak English.  One day, she decided to improve her employability by learning the language.  Over her husband’s objections, she sought help from Jewish Vocational Services. The learning process was difficult for the woman but she persevered, spending many hours studying with tutors in one-to-one learning. 

As her English skills improved, a fellow student hired the student as the seamstress for her dry cleaning business.  Sadly, the student was diagnosed with breast cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy.  However, her improved ability to speak and understand English is helping her communicate effectively during her medical crisis.  She continues to practice her English with a Puerto Rican friend who visits every week.  They use English to pray together for strength and healing.

This week the Illinois State Library spotlights Waukegan Public Library.  An adult learner had a number of issues when she first visited the literacy program at Waukegan Public Library.  She rarely made eye contact with people and cried a lot.  The woman did not have a car and had to borrow a vehicle to attend her tutoring session.  She also had no telephone. 

These issues could have been obstacles in the learning process, but they weren’t for this learner.  Once she began working with a tutor, the woman began to smile and to talk a little with the staff person at the library.  After a few months, she wanted more tutoring and was placed in a class three days a week.  She has learned words by breaking them into syllables, and can even do this with words she has never heard before.  She is beginning to blossom and has more confidence each day.

This week the Illinois State Library spotlights Rend Lake College in Ina.  Determined to obtain his GED, an eighteen-year-old enrolled in GED classes at Rend Lake College.  He had been home schooled due to serious health issues and could only read at the 4th grade level.  The man’s ultimate goal was to pursue an education in information technology (IT).  Two classroom tutors helped him improve his reading and math skills enough to enroll in his first IT class.  The young man recognized that he still needed additional help so he continued to work with a tutor individually outside of class. 

Eventually the young man obtained his GED with flying colors.  He was recognized for his accomplishments at the GED graduation ceremony and nominated for the Adult Education and Literacy Honor Society.  The man continues to work with his tutor to prepare for his college entrance exam, and is seeking to be a full-time student at Rend Lake College majoring in Information Technology.