Open house has Latin flavor for Hispanic Heritage Month

October is Hispanic Heritage Month, and one good place get a taste of Latin culture is at the open house Thursday, Oct. 11, 10 a.m. to noon at the Region 5 Adult Education Center at 302 S. Wheeler.

Students in the ESL (English as a second language) and the new English Literacy and Civics (EL Civics) have created a display of artifacts from Mexico, Central and South America.

The display is one of the community involvement projects that takes students out of the classroom and puts them in interactive situations where they can improve their English skills and confidence.

Instructor Silvia Muir helps students answer questions about each object, but with or without a translator, the students seem happy to demonstrate what they brought.

Many treasures are very detailed, hand-made family heirlooms. Other items are everyday utensils, such as everything to make tortillas. Not just the tortilla press, but also the stone matate to grind the cornmeal from scratch, "and they use these every day," Muir marveled.

Because the majority of students are women, cooking, clothing and decorative objects are well represented.

Region 5 was recently selected to receive a $102,000 grant from the Texas Education Agency to provide EL Civics instruction to limited- English proficient adults, according to program director Brenda Schofield.

"To effectively participate in the education, work and civic opportunities of this country, immigrants (need) to become competent in English and be able to understand and navigate government, educational and workplaces systems and key American institutions such as banking and health care," Schofield said.

In addition to classroom instruction, EL Civics students plan and participate in community projects, visit local agencies and institutions, and coordinate with members of the community to make presentations to the class.

Muir says they explore many alternate ways to learn English, and that often includes field trips.

"We recently visited the Workforce Center to learn about new programs and classes they offer," Muir said.

The center tries to find ways to make it easier for students to study by offering evening classes and mini-classes.

"Not everyone can take time for a three month class," Muir said, "so sometimes we offer a three day mini-course, just a couple of hours a day, on writing and reading for example."

The center offers computer classes, including basic computer skills, Excel, and Power Point.

"Lack of exposure to technology is a huge deficit," according to Schofield.

Students can also use the computers to improve spelling, listening and comprehension skills.

Muir is planning a field trip to learn about health services.

"A lot of time they don't realize the possibilities that exist for them and their children," Muir said. "We want to help them get their GED or high school diploma, so that they can go to the Workforce Center and improve their position or go to college.

"We also talk about rules and morals, about the differences in culture and the need to try to keep our moral values high no matter where we are," Muir said.

For more information, call 384- 2004.

Casa Abierta

Todo el pblico està invitado a la Casa Abierta, en Honor del Mes de la Hispanidad, que se realizarà en Region 5 Adult Education Center-Jasper, el Jueves 11 de Octubre desde las 10 a.m. hasta las 12 del medio dìa, 302 S. Wheeler.

Los estudiantes de Inglés como Segundo Idioma (ESL) y de Educaciòn Cìvica (EL Civics) han creado una exposiciòn con artìculos auténticos de América Latina.

EL Civics programa ademàs de las clases en el aula para aprender Inglés, el personal de la escuela y los estudiantes planearàn y participaràn en Proyectos de Mejoramiento Comunitario, visitaràn agencias locales e Instituciones y coordinaràn con miembros de la comunidad charlas y presentaciones. .

Para mayor informaciòn, llàmenos a 384- 2004.