This class of immigrants is learning about the U.S. so they can pass the citizenship test. They are learning language, history, civics, grammar and more. DP
By Meredith Blake, Staff Writer
Nelida Martinez, an immigrant from Argentina, spent three years learning English, studying American history and civics to pass her United States citizenship test this September.
"It feels very good," she said. "There is so much to learn."
Martinez was just one of more than 40 people who participated in an American citizenship class, offered by the nonprofit Community Centers Inc., which caters to low-income residents.
The group gathered Sunday for their annual lunch, held at Thai Basil restaurant on Railroad Avenue. Each year the luncheon is held to honor graduates and to celebrate course participants. They choose a different place each year to give the students a chance to test their English and try something new, said Lilliana Herrera, the course's teacher.
"We do this every year so our students get to enjoy other cultural food, and get together," she said, "Most of our students don't get a chance to go to places like these."
For nearly a decade, the nonprofit at 61 E. Putnam Ave. has been offering the class, which prepares immigrants to apply for citizenship. The course teaches English language, American history, civics and grammar - all subjects they are tested on, Herrera said.
"I think it's a really hard test to take, but our students are really prepared," she said.
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