Another 32% more adults lack proficiency in speaking English and need assistance learning English as a Second Language. Literacy Volunteers of Santa Fe (LVSF) provides free, quality tutoring services adults seeking to improve their reading skills or to learn English as a Second Language (ESL). Tutoring focuses on building job skills and survival skills, improving family literacy, empowering paren
ts to help their children succeed in school, and encouraging citizenship. Because of the great demand for literacy services in the area, the program has grown to support the work of 150 volunteer tutors on average working with more than 400 students annually. There are many more adults seeking services than we can help with our current volunteers. Literacy Volunteers helps adults learn to read or speak English in a student-centered format through three program components:
Basic Literacy Matches: Adults who have limited or no literacy skills are matched one-to-one with tutors who create a personalized learning program based on students' stated needs, interests, and goals. Many students come to LVSF wanting to improve their reading and writing in order to get a job or advance at work. Others want to help their children with their schoolwork, so they can succeed in school. Still others want to improve their health and/or finances. Workplace Groups: Tutors go to hotels, restaurants, and other workplaces to teach small groups of employees English as a Second Language or Basic Literacy. Employers often provide time off for employees to be tutored (typically three hours per week), and pay them for this time. Community and Neighborhood Groups: Basic Literacy and English as a Second Language tutors meet with small groups of students in a community location. Current sites include Santa Fe Community College, public libraries, churches, health clinics, schools and neighborhood community centers. Volunteer tutors are carefully interviewed, trained, and matched with students. Tutors learn the strategies they need to help students in a 20-hour certification training in either Basic Literacy or English as a Second Language. Staff provide students with on-going support services, including skills assessments, books and instructional materials, and computer-based instruction. Tutors learn new strategies and share experiences in workshops and get advice and feedback in conferences with specialists. LVSF issues a quarterly newsletter and formally recognizes students for their accomplishments and tutors for their service.
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