MINDEN - Western Nevada Community College and the Carson Valley Church of the Nazarene have begun a free program to teach Spanish-speaking people enough English to complete such everyday tasks as going to the post office, the store and the bank.
The class will also teach basic computer literacy.
Aurora Ruiz-Hurte, director of Adult Basic Education at WNCC, was the connecting link between the Carson Valley Church of the Nazarene and WNCC.
"I spoke with Pastor Gary (Johnson) and told him I was interested in helping. He answered me with 'My prayers have been answered,'" Ruiz-Hurte said.
Ruiz-Hurte said that the class will also offer a GED program for both ESL students and native English-speakers.
"We are going to emphasize more on the ESL program, but everyone is welcome," she said. "We also will be offering scholarships for the test, if people can't afford it."
Ruiz-Hurte said that an ESL program with computer literacy will be offered at the WNCC main campus and Lake Tahoe campus as well as at the Church of the Nazarene.
She said the class is open to those 16 and older. According to Ruiz-Hurte, Social Security cards are not required.
"We aren't looking for a Social Security number. We are open to everyone who needs us," she said.
Ruiz-Hurte said that 348 people registered in the fall semester within the three campuses. Registered students are able to use the computer labs on the WNCC campus, which are open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week.
Pastor Johnson said he had a longtime desire to begin an English as a second language class.
"There is an increasing number of Spanish-speaking people in the area. Sometimes they come to the church with needs. We want to help as much as we can."
The classes will start Jan. 24. They will meet Wednesdays, 6-8 p.m., and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to noon. Those interested can sign up at the WNCC main campus, in the Bristlecone building, room 340, in Carson City or at the Church of the Nazarene, corner of Pinenut and East Valley roads. The church can be reached at 782-4498.
