Academy helps adults, children learn English, build brighter futures

This language academy has received many honors for its programs to teach English to immigrants who speak Spanish.  - - Donna Poisl

By Dave Nicholson | Tribune Staff

PLANT CITY -- Yamilhet Jimenez wants to learn to speak English.

At 26, she has turned to the Family Literacy Academy of Tampa Bay, where she is mastering the language with other adults whose native tongue is Spanish.

She said she’s learning a lot at the academy, located in a former church near the Florida Strawberry Festival grounds. And she looks forward to the day - soon - when she can speak English fluently.

“The teacher here is very patient. She explains things well,” Jimenez said.

The academy has received many accolades since it was opened in 2011 by Angelica Ibarra, who was born into a family of migrant workers.
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