This teacher tells her class, "I can't" is not accepted in her classroom. She was helped by the nonprofit organization, Avance, when she moved here 13 years ago. She is doing her part to pass it on. DP
By Ramón Rentería / El Paso Times
EL PASO -- Lourdes Rivera tells preschool children to hang all their self-doubts on a tree outside her classroom.
"Here, everything is possible," Rivera said. "Children know that the phrase, 'I can't,' is unacceptable, not allowed in this classroom."
Rivera, 44, is well-qualified to teach and preach that the American dream is attainable with education.
Just 13 years ago, Rivera was a Mexican immigrant newly settled in El Paso, without English skills, but with a huge desire to learn.
In 1997, she enrolled with her 2-year-old son in parenting education classes offered through Avance, a nonprofit organization that helps immigrant children and families break the cycle of poverty with early childhood development, parenting skills, adult literacy and healthy marriages.
Be sure to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
This country was built by immigrants, it will continue to attract and need immigrants. Some people think there are enough people here now -- people have been saying this since the 1700s and it still is not true. They are needed to make up for our aging population and low birthrate. Immigrants often are entrepreneurs, creating jobs. We must help them become Americans and not just people who live here and think of themselves as visitors. When immigrants succeed here, the whole country benefits.
No comments:
Post a Comment