This Literacy Program received a grant of $50,000 from the Stimulus Fund and 54 students will be able to return to class. This saved the teacher's job and will enable the students to be eligible for jobs themselves. - - Donna Poisl
New America Media/Brazilian Journal, News Report, Marcony Almeida
One of the most exciting times of Claudete Alcântara’s week was when she went to school to learn English. A Brazilian immigrant, Alcântara counted on an English literacy program in Everett, a city in northern Massachusetts, to learn the language and to improve her job prospects.
But her excitement faded when the program announced that her classes would come to an end because of cuts in the state and municipal budget. The Everett Literacy Program – in its 25th year providing English for Students of Other Languages (ESOL) - receives funding from the state, the city and private donations. It is one of the largest ESOL programs for immigrant adults in the state.
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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.
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