VOLUNTEERS MEET MOXEE 
PARENTS' ESL NEEDS

 When the residents of the Moxee City community discovered the level of need and desire English-limited Moxee adults had for language training, they came to the rescue. 

When East Valley School District first offered the adult "English as a Second Language" training in the spring of 2000, 10 people signed up right away. But after an announcement was made at the English and Spanish masses of Holy Rosary Parish, over 50 people arrived for the first night of class. The need and the desire were obvious, explains Eileen Williams, public information specialist for Educational Service District 105 Information Cooperative.

By March 2001, student enrollment swelled to 87.

"The message these parents are sending their kids is "It's important to work and do a good job at work, but it is also important to continue your education," says Sandra Pasiero-Davis, director of the ESD 105 Migrant Education Regional Office (MERO) in Yakima.

The volunteer teachers and tutors feel good about what they are accomplishing.

Says Colleen Crowston, who is also a full-time teacher at East Valley Elementary School: "I have really enjoyed my ESL evenings. The students are very eager to learn. After a long day of work, they are willing to come to class. It shows their commitment to learning English."

Renee Gillaspie helps teach the classes at both the Tuesday and Thursday sessions.

"I have always felt it is important that people speak English. 

When I found out people wanted to learn, I felt I should do it," she says. "What's in it for me? I enjoy it!"

Ed Carroll, a retired Moxee resident who initiated the program, says, "It's a wonderful experience to see so many generous people from our community come together to help one another."

Of course Mr. Carroll, himself, is the prime example. Since developing the program, he has turned over administration to Leticia Montes.

The class began with the original 10 students, and work was started immediately to train more tutors and find additional funds and class space for the other 40 students who showed up without registering.

"The ESD 105 Migrant Education Regional Office came to the rescue with funds for materials, and East Valley School District provided space at East Valley High," says Ms. Williams. Besides MERO 105, Holy Rosary Church and the East Valley School District have also provided funding and in-kind support for the program.

The learning program chosen was Project LIFE (Literacy Is For Everyone). The program had been proven effective at other locations, and it has a local office in Yakima supervised by Sisters Maureen Rose and Agnes Huck.

They arranged for tutor instruction from Tacoma House trainers through the Office of Adult Literacy.

With this help, the "Moxee ESL project started with quality training for dedicated and caring community tutors," Ms. Williams says.

The classes have been very effective. "Classes are immersion in English with little or no Spanish spoken," Ms. Williams says.

Carlos Espinoza had only been in the U.S. for two weeks when he found out about the classes. He signed up and worked very hard. All the students worked together to help Carlos comprehend.

Marbella Garcia also spoke very little English when she started attending classes.

"When I first came, I didn't understand. Now I understand. When I go to the doctor, I can follow his directions," she says.

The class often plays "Sight BINGO" the last 10 minutes of class. At first, one of Ms. Garcia's sons, Eric, attended the class to help mom out. Ms. Garcia says now both of her sons attend every class. "They come for the BINGO."

Three levels of instruction have been established since the course began. Persons who finish Level III are ready for classes at Yakima Valley Community College. Current teachers include:

Many volunteer tutors also assist the students.