Faulkner County Literacy Council

Marie Fendzi

I came here from Cameroon.  I have been here for four years.  I stay with my daughter and care for her children.        

When I came, I didn’t know anything. I want to say, I very, very thank you for teaching me to speak, write and read English.  I am still learning many things.           

I hope to read the missalette in church. Also drive a car.  I hope someday to have a job.           

Again, thank you for helping me.  I can read to my grandchildren now.

Patricia Hatfield                                                                                                    

Two years ago I began volunteering to tutor a student in English as a second language and was assigned to a student.  I wondered if I could do this.  The training was excellent but still scary.

 The student I was given is a 62 year old who grew up, married and raised a family in Cameroon.  When she was young, girls were not allowed to go to school.  However, the law was changed by the time her daughters came along and so they were able to go to school.  As a result, a daughter was educated and came to attend school in Arkansas at the University of Central Arkansas, where she became a teacher.  She now teaches math at a school in Little Rock, Arkansas.

My student came to Arkansas to live with this daughter and care for 3 grandchildren.  When she came she spoke French but did not read or write French.  Another tutor started her in ESL.  My student had to quit for awhile secondary to family issues.  I became her tutor when she was ready to resume.  I began with the student about mid book 2.  We have just finished book 3 and are starting book 4.

The experience of working with this student and family has been one of enjoyment and of growth for me.  They are so appreciative of everything and forgiving of my mistakes as also a learner.

I have had to also learn to print correctly and improve my grammar.  When I went to nursing school, we were made to print everything from notes in class to charts.  They didn’t care if we used block printing.  As a result of three years of this, I was conditioned to writing with block printing, so this was a handicap.  I can now use correct printing with my student and most of all my writing.

So, I say thank you for this opportunity to learn and grow while helping someone else.

Josue Chavez

I spoke very little English before I started this class, but now I understand many words. Because of United Way and the Faulkner County Literacy Council, I can communicate and express myself better at work and in other situations, like with doctors and on the telephone. We are learning together.

Jin-soon Kim

Jin-soon Kim has been working with the Faulkner County Literacy Council for almost two years.  She has been living in the United States off and on for 7 years. Her tutor, Debbie, has been with her since she started working with FCLC. 

“I’ve seen a big improvement in Jin-soon’s English skills. Not only has her vocabulary grown, but her confidence has as well,” commented Debbie.

“Before I started, it was very hard to have conversations with other people. Now I feel comparable in conversations with other people. I feel more comfortable asking questions. I can have conversations with my daughter’s preschool teacher with Debbie’s help. When I first started, I didn’t even know what preschool was,” said Jin-soon. “The one-on-one time with Debbie has really helped. I would like to get a job as well. With Debbie’s help on improving my English skills, I know that I can do it.”

Richard

Richard walked into the Adult Education Center several years ago feeling dejected. His shoulders were slumped and he didn’t like making eye contact. He had initially come to get his GED. When the Adult Education Center told him he needed to work with the Literacy Council for a while to bring his reading scores up, Richard felt even more depressed, but he was determined. 

He began meeting with Ms. Pat, a tutor who had been with FCLC for many years. Richard and Ms. Pat developed a strong bond and they both looked forward to each tutoring session. Ms. Pat could see how bright Richard was. He had built his own two-story house and ran his own part-time business, all while holding down a full-time job. 

“I could just see a spark in Richard,” said Ms. Pat. “I could tell that he was not only smart, he was a hard worker.”

Ms. Pat and Richard studied for several months, during which time Richard earned his EPA license to handle refrigerants. Ms. Pat laughed, “Richard and I waited on the test results to see if ‘we’ had passed.”

According to Ms. Pat, “Richard told me one day, ‘I just haven’t been using my brain.’ I think he finally realized that he is intelligent.”

Richard is now working on his GED. When he walks through the front door of the Adult Education Center, he has his head held high and smiles at everyone.  He is not only aware of his intelligence, he’s proud that he knows “how to use his brain.”