Fathers and Mothers Graduate (English Paraphrase)

A total of 108 fathers and mothers graduate

• FABIOLA POMAREDA/The Race • 2009-06-14

Last week 108 parents graduated from the Lee y Serás program offered by the Association House of Chicago. As a part of the services for immigrants offered by Association House, Lee y Serás began three years ago.

The program allows parents to come to class and receive counseling for the upbringing and education of their children. While attending the classes of general education (GED) and English, they speak about their culture and traditions giving them the opportunity to socialize, discover their strengths and build confidence.

Lee y Serás is offered at no cost and operates at Yates Elementary, where classes are distributed in six rooms. One of which is used as a nursery for the children while parents attend class. Angelica Gomez, Association House Coordinator of Educational Programs explains that parents do not necessarily have to know how to read or write in order to have their children reading with them.

Truman College offers certified teachers of English as a Second Language and GED courses in Spanish. Four levels of courses are offered and run four days a week for four hours over a span o eight weeks. “After graduation, students can enter to study English at Truman College or any other City College of Chicago” says Gomez.

COMMUNITY SENSE

“Many of the parents have found a support network here, because before the whole day was spent at home with their children, here they are able to share their personal life and are supported by a wonderful environment” expressed Gomez. It is not just mothers that participate in the program, over 40% of the students are men. Families as a whole are allowed the opportunity to not only interact, but to bond and improve as a unit as they learn English together.