Partnership program helps Hispanics learn English

Ana Carolina Hernandez is the seventh student to graduate from the Sed de Saber English Program.

The Partnership of Community Resources' Hispanic Projects Coordinator Neyzer Torres assists members of the Hispanic community to learn English through this program.

There are five programs available through the partnership.

Sed de Saber is an interactive electronic book which walks the students through words and phrases from everyday situations and allows them to record their voice for feedback and comparison.

The course takes about five months to complete and is done at the student's home.

The program has yielded many success stories. One student has gone on to enroll in an ESL class at college and is currently studying to receive her citizenship. Another was inspired to continue taking adult English classes, and her husband, who also went through the program, gained more confidence speaking English in his job. One student applied for a job and successfully completed an interview; she was subsequently hired while in the program.

"I am proud that the people realize that it is important to learn the language and to know that they will have a better quality of life and be better involved in their children's schooling and in their community," Torres said.

Torres has been working with the Hispanic community for the past two years and assists Douglas County Social Services, Family Support Council, schools, the district attorney's office and many other community and state agencies interpreting and filling out applications.

"I also try to empower parents by showing them the importance of learning the English language," she said. "It will help them to communicate with their kids, teachers, doctors, and wherever they go, learning English will present them with more opportunities for them and their families.

Those interested in the Sed de Saber program should contact Torres at 782-8611.