Literacy Volunteers of America, Essex & Passaic Counties, NJ Inc.

July 2024

Volume 12, Issue 7

The Insider

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The Insider, the monthly newsletter of LVA Essex & Passaic Counties, will keep you in the loop on all the organization’s upcoming events.

So grateful to Wendy Jagger who joined us from Interfaith RISE to share the challenges refugee learners face in acquiring English as well as the unique strengths they bring to the classroom. With a focus on tutoring objectives, materials, and special considerations, this was a greatly enriching session for all who participated.

Literacy Volunteers of America Essex & Passaic Counties

90 Broad Street, 2nd Floor, Bloomfield, NJ 07003
(973) 566-6200, ext. 217 or 225

195 Gregory Avenue, 2nd Floor, Passaic, NJ 07055
(973) 470-0039

Cristhian Barcelos        -Executive Director
                                           [email protected]
Jorge Chavez                 -Data Processing Coordinator
                                           [email protected]
Sydnay Eckerling         -Education Coordinator
                                           [email protected]
Valeria Garrido             -Social Media & Newsletter Coordinator
                                           [email protected]
Cheryl Locastro            -Tutor Support Specialist & ESOL Instructor
                                           [email protected]
Marisol Ramirez           -Student Coordinator
                                           [email protected]

Greetings LVA family!

As we bask in the warmth of summer, we are excited to present this latest edition of our newsletter, filled with uplifting stories, important updates, and invaluable resources. Our mission at Literacy Volunteers of America Essex & Passaic Counties is to promote literacy and lifelong learning, and we are thrilled to share the remarkable achievements within our community.

In this edition, we are delighted to introduce you to Francisco, whose journey from Venezuela to the U.S. exemplifies resilience and determination. Despite facing numerous challenges, including incarceration, Francisco’s dedication to learning English has been unwavering. His story highlights the transformative power of literacy and the importance of community support.

We also feature Anne, a devoted LVA tutor whose passion for education has inspired many. From her beginnings in Haiti to her achievements in the U.S., Anne's story is a testament to the impact that dedicated volunteers can have on the lives of others. Her commitment to helping Haitian immigrants and her students' breakthroughs are truly inspiring.

Additionally, don't miss our "In the News" section, where we have curated some insightful articles for you including a piece from National Geographic on "Why it’s never too late to learn a language as an adult."

We are also excited to share an article from Fast Company, "The ultimate AI skill has nothing to do with tech," which explores the crucial role of English proficiency in our AI-driven world. As English continues to be the primary language of the internet and AI, its importance in today's business landscape cannot be overstated.

Lastly, we provide information on upcoming professional development opportunities. Whether you’re a volunteer educator or someone passionate about literacy, these events offer valuable skills and knowledge to help you make a greater impact.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to literacy. Together, we can make a difference, one word at a time.

In the News

To view the following stories, copy and paste the highlighted website into an internet search bar.

"Why it’s never too late to learn a language as an adult" National Geographic. https://bit.ly/3WutREf

“William Paterson University establishes College of Adult and Professional Studies" ROINJ. https://bit.ly/4bO0Kjz

Francisco arrived from Venezuela as a political asylum seeker in 2021. His journey to the U.S., like that of many immigrants, was arduous and trying, including being incarcerated for three months as part of the immigration process.

Tutor Training Workshops

Online Training, by TBD
Platform: Zoom (sponsored by LNJ)
Tuesdays, 6 to 8 pm
Aug. 13, 20, 27, Sept. 3, & 10, 2024

Online Training, by TBD
Platform: Zoom (sponsored by LNJ)
Tuesdays, 6 to 8 pm
Sept. 10, 17, 24, Oct. 1, & 8, 2024

NJALL 2024 Sessions Now on NJALL's YouTube Channel

On-demand training by NJALL speakers from 2024 professional development conference
Platform: YouTube
Link: https://bit.ly/4dbhxhC

Coffee Hour with Tutors
with Cheryl Locastro

Thursday, September 12, 2024, at 3pm (General in-person meeting)

Thursday, December 12, 2024, at 3pm (Themed online meeting)

http://www.lvaep.org/workshops.html

Getting to Know Us
Francisco, LVA student
by Valeria Garrido

Francisco’s story begins in Venezuela, where he was born and raised. He grew up speaking Spanish, but his journey to the United States in 2021 necessitated learning English.

His journey to America was arduous. Francisco faced numerous hardships and, upon arrival, sought political asylum. One of the most harrowing challenges Francisco faced was being incarcerated for three months upon arriving in the U.S.

This period tested his faith, tolerance, and self-confidence. Yet, it also solidified his gratitude for being alive and his resolve to build a better future.

His integration began with a simple inquiry at the Bloomfield Library, leading him to Literacy Volunteers of America (LVA). Understanding the importance of English, Francisco was motivated to learn. “If I know English, I can communicate, work, and socialize. It will help me get a better job and be successful in my future goals,” he shared.

Since starting classes in October, Francisco has spent nine months improving his language skills. While his vocabulary has expanded, he acknowledges that mastering grammar and fluency is ongoing.

His determination is evident in his choice of reading material. He is currently engrossed in Carlos Devis’s “Un Inmueble al Año No Hace Daño,” which offers strategies for investing in real estate. His aspiration to become a successful real estate investor fuels his dedication to learning English.

In Venezuela, Francisco attended school and later community college, earning a degree in environmental science. His resilience was truly tested when he used his basic English to help a friend secure a job as a mechanic. “It was rewarding because I never imagined translating and thinking that with my basic English, I was making a difference in someone else’s life. To me, that is priceless,” he recalled.

The support from his English classes and tutors has been invaluable. “The teachers have so much tolerance; they come prepared and ready to teach,” he said. Despite setbacks, like a work accident, Francisco’s wife has been his biggest supporter, helping him stay motivated and focused.

Francisco's story, like many of our students, is one of resilience, perseverance, and the belief that with the right support and determination, anyone can achieve their dreams. Through Literacy Volunteers of America, he has not only learned a new language but also found a community that believes in his potential.

Literacy opens a wide door to life. Help us keep that door open with your donation!

Thanks in large part to you, we can aid hundreds of students each year. Please continue your efforts to improve the lives of others by giving the gift of literacy.

http://www.lvaep.org/donate.html

The ultimate AI skill has nothing to do with tech

Written by Roberto Hortal, Fast Company June 21, 2024

We’re living in an AI-powered world. The way we are communicating with technology and each other is changing. A recent study found that 40% of respondents were studying English to mitigate the impact of AI and technology on their jobs. English proficiency is emerging as a top asset in today’s business landscape. It is spoken by almost one in every five people on Earth and has solidified its position as the de facto global language.

However, it’s not just the language of business; English is also the internet’s primary tongue. That’s why it’s the learning ground for AI, and its main mode of communication, with AI developers typically training their models on English-language data. This makes it the most crucial “programming language” in AI, overtaking computer languages such as Python. With AI changing the nature of work and our daily lives, how can we utilize English to help us navigate the shifting tides?

DECODING AI

AI refers to a machine’s ability to emulate the behaviors and outcomes we typically associate with human intelligence. The most common form an average person uses today is generative AI technology based on large language models (LLM). These models can understand and generate human language text by processing vast amounts of digital data.

LLMs use prompt engineering, a concept that originated among English speakers and was developed in English. They are steeped in English from conception and still a lot of the language data, performance, accuracy benchmarks, and experiments, including training and refining, are happening in English.

LLMs have many positive applications across industries, benefiting businesses and employees alike, from lending the marketing department a hand in content generation to aiding the operations team with task automation, and providing the sales division with sentiment analysis. Automating tasks enables people to spend more time on the cerebral aspects of their professions, analysis, and strategic thinking.

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For the full story please copy and paste this link on your browser: https://bit.ly/3W79fAy

Student Resources

Learning a new culture is more than studying a language. Tutoring is more than learning techniques. Our “Resources” webpage covers everything from legal matters, health care, & scholarships for immigrants, to professional development for tutors. Give us a look @: http://www.lvaep.org/students.html

Getting to Know Us
Anne Henry, LVA Tutor
by Valeria Garrido

Anne’s journey to a volunteer tutor with Literacy Volunteers of America (LVA) reflects her resilience and dedication to education. Born in Haiti, Anne moved to America at 16. She attended high school in Brooklyn, New York, and pursued higher education at Hunter College,
initially aiming for a nursing career. However, a fainting episode during a nursing class made her reconsider her path.

Anne then pivoted to secretarial school, driven by an ambition to work at the highest levels within a company. She secured positions at Prudential and Novartis Pharmaceutical. Despite these successes, Anne’s journey was challenging. After marrying and raising four children, her husband discouraged her education. When her children were grown, Anne found the courage to leave her husband and return to school, earning her bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Caldwell University.

Anne’s love for teaching was ingrained in her upbringing by nuns who instilled in her the value of education. This passion led her to discover LVA in 2016. “LVA prompts me to pursue more goals,” Anne says. “I love doing ESL instruction and want to use that to finish my Master’s in Adult Education. I want to help Haitian immigrants.”

She cherishes the moments when her students achieve breakthroughs, finding it rewarding when they grasp complex idiomatic expressions.

One student stands out in her memory. During a meet-and-greet session, Anne asked about his aspirations. He replied that he wanted to be a great person, which Anne understood as a desire to achieve the American dream. She emphasized hard work and persistence.

Anne’s supportive approach is rooted in her experiences. “I am behind them 100%,” she says. “I will help you until you achieve your goals.”

Outside of tutoring, Anne has a vibrant personal life. She loves poetry and drama and has a history of putting together plays for her church. Anne also has a musical side, having played the horn in an orchestra back home. Additionally, she is a motivational speaker, known for her ability to inspire others.

Anne’s journey exemplifies the spirit of LVA’s mission and the impact we can all have by helping others and using our experiences as strengths.