Free literacy programs around the state for all ages

Offerings include classes in ESL, preparation for citizenship exams

As part of the Journal’s ongoing Literacy Project, we are adding to our growing list of literacy programs available throughout New Mexico. These will be joined with the programs already highlighted in the Journal and which can be found at ABQjournal.com/literacy. Anyone who knows of literacy programs that we have not yet singled out is welcome to call them to our attention. Contact Rick Nathanson at rnathanson@abqjournal.com, or Mike Murphy at mmurphy@abqjournal.com.

ADULT LITERACY AND CITIZENSHIP PROGRAM, FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH OF ALBUQUERQUE

This program partners with ReadWest and the New Mexico Immigrant Law Center to teach classes in English as a second language and citizenship. Lessons are conducted in small classes or through one-on-one tutoring with an emphasis on English comprehension, speaking, reading and writing. One class is offered specifically for people who will take the citizenship exam and interview in English, and another is taught in Spanish for those who are eligible to have a Spanish translator at their citizenship exam and interview.

Although most of the clients are Spanish speakers, the program has also worked

with speakers of Vietnamese, Mandarin and Russian.

All classes are free, and child care can be arranged.

For information, email conniemolecke@ gmail.com.

ETHOS LITERACY (formerly Reading Works):

This program works with adults age 18 and older as well as 16- and 17-year-olds who are not enrolled in high school. Ethos Literacy draws from a pool of 75 tutors who work with about 150 students a year, said Margaret Barker, the organization’s board president.

The program offers one-on-one and small-group tutoring in reading, writing and English language acquisition for immigrant students, as well as instruction in basic math and computer skills. Ethos also provides a citizenship class and GED preparation.

About 60% of Ethos students are immigrants and students learning English as a second language, and 40% are students with generally low literacy levels, Barker said.

“The one thing that we do, that’s very time consuming, but it helps make us successful, is we will create a curriculum for each student,” Barker said. “Our staff does a very detailed intake and a lot of testing and diagnostics. Then they’ll look to see what the student needs and come up with a plan for each student. So every student has their own personalized curriculum based on their needs and literacy goals.”

There is not cost to the students for the program or program material.

Ethos Literacy is funded through an allocation from the state Department of Higher Education as well as grants from United Way and various corporate and private grants.

For information, go to www.ethosliteracy.org or call 505-321-9620.

FOR THE LOVE OF READING

This program is sponsored by grants from the Taos Milagro Rotary Club. It connects kids, books and volunteers by providing every-other-month distribution of new books to select grade schools, as well as in-person reading when schools are in session. FTLR primarily targets kids in kindergarten through third grade, but also has books for pre-K as well as age-appropriate books for all young people through high school. The program has worked with Arroyos del Norte Elementary School in Arroyo Seco, Ranchos Elementary School in Ranchos de Taos and Alta Vista Elementary School in Questa. FTLR also provides books for the Questa Library Summer Reading Program and the 14 Little Free Libraries in Taos and throughout Taos County.

For information or to make a donation, contact www.taosftlr.com or send a message to tmrftlr@gmail.com.