These immigrants are being taught basic functional literacy. Once they have the basic skills, they can learn more complicated literacy, but this will help them be successful here. - - Donna Poisl
By Irfan Shariff, Northwest Asian Weekly
“When you don’t know the right word, you’re going to keep your mouth shut,” said Sharon Victor, president of the Literacy Council of Seattle. In its 40th year, the Literary Council aims to “teach adults the English skills they need to be successful in their job, families, and the community,” according to its mission statement.
“We deal mostly with ‘survival English’ so people can be self-reliant and communicate with others about civic issues,” said Victor.
According to Victor, nearly half of the Literacy Council’s curriculum focuses on survival or functional literacy. They go over things like how to pass citizenship exams, run one’s personal life, or communicate with teachers, doctors, postmen, or agencies. She feels that by engaging in these everyday things, people will know that they have rights.
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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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