Immigrants appreciate English classes

Many churches and agencies across the country are offering English classes to their people or helping them find and enroll in classes at local schools. They are also helping them assimilate and become citizens. DP

by Joseph Kenny, Review Staff Writer

stlouisreview.com: Marta Torres speaks English clearly. She is proud to be a U.S. citizen.

But her native language is Spanish. She was born in Mexico and moved to California in adulthood. It took hard work to learn her new language, and she continues to take classes. She studied for her citizenship test and passed.

Torres, a member of St. Cecilia Parish in South St. Louis, is an example of the many new Americans who are encouraged and helped by their parishes and by Catholic agencies to learn English and become citizens.

St. Cecilia helps people enroll in English classes offered at St. Louis Community College at Forest Park and at the International Institute and connects people with volunteers from the parish who are tutors.

Other parishes with Hispanic populations also refer people to English classes or organize their own English as a Second Language classes. Catholic Charities Community Services Southside Center has English classes and Catholic Charities Refugee Services has volunteer tutors. The Immigrant and Refugee Women’s Program is dedicated to teaching English. And the English Tutoring Project sponsored by women religious communities locally is in its 11th year of helping children.

Torres had plenty of motivation, she said.

"It is very important to be able to communicate for your necessities, for your job and for being a part of society," Torres said.

Citizenship ensures that "you have a voice and are able to vote," she said. "I want to help my community. I know I can help through being a citizen."
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