Village Readers Family Education

Based in Delray Beach, this family education program provides literacy instruction for adults and their elementary school age children.

The majority of the families are recent immigrants and are primarily Haitian or Hispanic. The adults who attend class in the evening, after working at low-paying jobs during the day, develop literacy skills to prepare them for further education and/or enhanced employment possibilities. The children receive individualized reading instruction and participate in reading enrichment activities.

In 2010 – 2011:

  • 139 adults and 60 children were served in the evening program.
  • 24 children received afternoon tutoring in reading and compensation skills.
  • 83 percent of these children made significant improvement in reading.
  • 86 percent of adults tested demonstrated learning gains in literacy skills.

PROGRAM IMPACT

Rose Marie and Louis Charles Tervil have been enrolled in the Village Readers program for approximately six months and are already pleased with their language and literacy gains. Rose Marie has noticed that English speakers have an easier time understanding her due to improved pronunciation skills. Previously, Louis Charles had to rely on his co-workers at a Boca Raton golf course to translate for him. Now he is happy to have gained confidence and the ability to use English to ask for instruction and clarification.

In addition to helping Rose Marie and Louis Charles improve their literacy skills, Village Readers is also working with Karen, their first grade daughter. Karen receives one-to-one reading tutoring twice a week. Within just six months, she has moved up a reading level and is continually making gains. By learning English, Rose Marie and Louis Charles are better able to help and support their three children. Prior to taking English classes, they didn’t attend SAC (School Advisory Council) meetings at Village Academy. Since beginning classes in the fall, however, both Rose Marie and Louis Charles have participated in the SAC meetings and become more involved in their children’s education.

Rose Marie and Louis Charles continue to set goals and work towards their aspirations. Rose Marie recently earned her Florida Certified Nurse’s Assistant license. She would like to advance her medical career by becoming a Registered Nurse, while Louis Charles would like eventually to open his own specialty food store in the Haitian community. Recognizing that English is an important tool for reaching their goals, the Tervils are grateful for the opportunity to attend the Village Readers Family Education program.

 

Address: 400 SW 12th Avenvue, Delray Beach, FL 33444
Classes are held Monday through Thursday, from 5:45 pm to 8:00 pm year round.