Voices of Project Literacy - Watertown Free Public Library

of their energy to raise funds and promote literacy. Thank you to all the current and pastboard members for bringing us to this 25th Year Celebration. You have shown greatstrength in guiding this program.It gives me great pleasure to introduce this collection of writings from Project Literacy’sstudents and tutors in celebration of our 25th Anniversary. The participants in the programare the best advocates for Project Literacy and they describe how it has changed their lives.Learning English in the United States is not just learning a language but includes gainingtools to function in everyday life and understand the culture and people. In the “Voices ofProject Literacy,” we share the strengths of immigrants in our community.This 25th Anniversary is a celebration of the accomplishments of all Project Literacyparticipants. Thanks to everyone who made this booklet possible:Teachers and volunteer tutors, who encouraged their students to write.Students, who shared their thoughts about the program.Tutors, who shared their writings.Laura Duncan, Coordinator of Volunteers, who collected the writings.Deborah Melone, who edited the writings.Jaime Bernard, graphic designer, who created this booklet.Vicky Sax, graphic designer, who contributed to the cover graphics.Michael Seif and Andrew Roy, photographers, who shared their work.– Susan Viskin, Program DirectorApril 20122

From the TrusteesApril 4, 2012Dear Friends,On behalf of the Watertown Free Public Library Board of Trustees, we want toacknowledge and extend our sincere congratulations and gratitude to the Staff,volunteers and participants of the Watertown Project Literacy Program on their25th Anniversary. If there has been one successful community program that hasopened the door of opportunity and direction, it’s been the Project Literacy Program.Watertown is a community that has a proud heritage, with a diverse ethnic and culturalpopulation that has made many contributions and has enriched each of us. With theinitiative to learn, new immigrants to our community eager to assimilate to our languagehave turned to the Project Literacy Program. Dedicated staff and compassionatevolunteers have worked to teach the fundamentals of our English language and haveoffered support to those who aspire to the path of citizenship of the United States.For the past 25 years the Watertown Free Public Library has been proud of theaffiliation with the Project Literacy Program. We salute the outstanding work that theProject Literacy Program has accomplished, not only to our new residents but for thecommunity of Watertown. We applaud your commitment, your sense of communityand your devotion to nurturing new citizens to a bright future. The Watertown FreePublic Library is honored to be a partner of the Project Literacy Program and looksforward to another 25 years of success.Sincerely yours,Gracemarie LeBlanc, Board Vice ChairRaya Stern, Board TreasurerKatherine Button, Board SecretaryTim Tracy, Board MemberKip Beach, Board MemberMike Hanlon, Board Chair3

I feel honored to be a part of Project Literacy as it celebrates 25years of valuable service to the community. As the Coordinatorof Volunteers, I am lucky to be in a position where I regularlywitness the rewards of Project Literacy’s programs and theenjoyment that Project Literacy’s students and tutors find intheir hard work. When people question whether the spirit ofvolunteerism still exists today, I can confidently assure themthat volunteerism, compassion for one’s neighbors, and value inone’s community are indeed very strong today – I witness thesequalities daily in Project Literacy.Despite busy schedules, family obligations and work, volunteers commit to tutoring everyweek and seem to be unflagging in their enthusiasm and dedication. They participate inthis cause because they believe in an “American dream” that encourages anyone, from anypart of the world, to pursue their goals and reach their potential. Students similarly makesacrifices in their lives so that they can improve their English skills and participate morefully in their communities. Their steadfast determination is awe-inspiring and deeplytouching. The tutoring relationship not only creates a bridge between cultures, it extendsa sincere offer of friendship from both the tutor and the student. I am so grateful to helpfacilitate this friendship and this educational exchange, and I am profoundly appreciativeof the twenty-five years of hard work that has brought Project Literacy to this point today.– Laura Duncan, Project Literacy’s Coordinator of Volunteers4

Voices of Project LiteracyI have been Project Literacy’s student for almost three years. I am very happy studyingEnglish. There are helpful and friendly people in the program. Now I can speak better butI need to improve my English more. I need to be able speak with my children’s teachersand my co-workers with more understanding and fluency. I was so glad to speak nowwith my child’s teacher without an interpreter.Thank you very much to all the people who do this Project for every person who needsto study English.– Marina Sudenkova, Student (Advanced Evening Class)Before I became a tutor for Project Literacy, I had never really thought about what itmeans to be in a country in which I don't speak the language. It's easy to forget howmuch we use English on a daily basis—it's everywhere, from the bus stop to the doctor'soffice, the grocery store, the school, and the workplace. My Project Literacy student wantsto feel comfortable and confident when she goes to these places; she wants to learnEnglish in order to use it in a practical, applicable, real way. The most exciting momentsfor me as a tutor have been the simplest ones—when she learned how to write a check,she smiled and said, "I didn't know that before, but now I understand."For me, Project Literacy is not only about language, but also about community. Mystudent lives just down the street from me, but in some ways, she lives a world away. Atfirst, it took us a while to find something to talk about, but then we discovered that weboth love to cook, and the ice was broken. Now, I think both of us enjoy the weeklytutoring sessions because it gives us an opportunity to learn about each other in additionto focusing on the grammar.– Lindsay Guth, Tutor5

I am happy because Project Literacy gave me a chance to start this program to learnEnglish, almost one year ago. First I’m happy because I have a nice tutor. From thebeginning we worked on grammar, learning a lot of words, check writing, and notesfor school and holiday cards, etc. We went to the post office, dinner at a restaurant,and we have plans to go to CVS to study cards because there are so many differentcards. We continue to work on English grammar because it’s hard to learn it meetingjust once a week.Thank you, Project Literacy.– Armine Sarkisyan, StudentI have class at the Watertown Public Library every Wednesday. I am learning English.My teacher taught me about using words and sentences, vocabulary, reading, listening,and conversation. I understand present simple tense and past simple tense and presentcontinuous. I know nouns, pronouns, verbs and adjectives. I got to play games and I hadto practice homework. I have learned about seasons and weather. I want to learn aboutadverbs, conjunctions and question words, and to practice pronunciation.– Suwat Namsena, StudentOur English class is very interesting for our group. Every Monday, our teacher JimGreiner brings some interesting theme, or music, or history books about the USA. He isan excellent person and teacher. I started this class in 2004 and have been taking it untilnow, and I will come to this class until our teacher gets tired of us.– Margarit Grigoryan, Student6

I found out about Project Literacy when I was looking for a new and different volunteeropportunity. I loved the idea of helping speakers of other languages get a better grasp ofthis language so I took the plunge and attended the wonderfully comprehensive ProjectLiteracy tutor training and became a tutor.I was paired with a woman from Haiti who has lived in Watertown for many years butwas looking to improve upon her reading and speaking skills. She was also interested inlearning how to use the computer. I worked with my student for two years and duringthis time I learned just as much from her as she is likely to have learned from me. WhileI was helping her improve her reading and writing abilities, I learned how to become abetter tutor and I gained confidence in my teaching ability. I also learned a lot about mystudent, how she came to this country not knowing English and having to learn it whileon the job, and I learned a lot about Haiti and her culture.My student wrote me a card to let me know that her supervisor asked for a volunteer toread a page-long document in front of a group of 20 people. She had volunteered to readthe document aloud and told me she did so because she was now confident in her readingability and was proud of her skill. That card exemplifies to me just how tremendouslyrewarding being a Project Literacy tutor has been to me, and what a difference that I,a novice tutor, can make.– Annie Toth, TutorWhen I came to the USA it was more than 10 years ago. I was not quite sure how Icould stay here because I didn’t understand the English language well. One day I had achance to study with Project Literacy. It has made me understand English better thanbefore. I could read, write, and use it in my life and work every day.I would like to thank the person who set up this program and everyone who made thisproject successful. And thank you for my teacher Deborah Melone who has taught andhelped me with everything. And I thank the Watertown Library that gave me goodbooks and room for study. I think every person who studies with this project will getknowledge and can use the English language better than before.– Pattana Kunyanone, Student7

I am grateful to Project Literacy for facilitating my faster integration into the social life inthe US. By having English classes, a private tutor, and attending preparation classes forUS citizenship – all free – I was able to advance quickly, find a job and make new friends.Now when I am working, I believe I will give my contribution to the project and thushelp other immigrants to take advantage of the free services provided by Project Literacy.I want to say a big THANK YOU to all persons working in Project Literacy.– Vaniliya Radeva, StudentTutoring speakers of other languages has opened my eyes to the wider world. Mystudents thus far have been working-class individuals struggling with few opportunitiesto find a secure place within our unfamiliar society. Their courage and optimism is soimpressive. Furthermore, tutoring has revealed to me how gigantic a feat it is to learnreal, working English as an adult. I now realize that my own attempt to learn a foreignlanguage is more akin to a diversion or hobby. Although I may someday use it to enrichmy experience of foreign travel, I do not need it to survive. Project Literacy students mustgrapple with a ferociously difficult new language that permeates every element of theirdaily lives. Adult immigrants endeavoring to learn English deserve to be applauded andsupported while taking on this formidable challenge.– Amanda Hill, TutorWherever you go, whatever you do, you live with and among people. If you want tounderstand and be understood you must learn. So if your language is weak you will havea low income job. The higher your level in language, the better you can show the skillsyou obtained in your homeland.I like the Project Literacy ESL Class. Project Literacy ESL Class is a perfect choice forme. Since I’ve been here from January 2011 I met a lot of good people both students andteachers. I should say Susan’s team is really professional people. I am personally acquaintedwith two teachers and hear only good reviews about others from other students.– Vadim P., Student8

I came to Project Literacy to improve my reading. I couldread but I didn’t comprehend what I read. Now I enjoyreading interesting books because I can understand whatI am reading.My son Allen took an interest in my reading. He broughtme a book called “Summer on Blossom Street” by DebbieMacomber. I read several other books by her. I wrote toDebbie Macomber. I was honored to receive a letter from her.My family, my friends, and my tutor were excited for me.When I started the program I wasn’t very confident inmyself. I have had great tutors to help me with my learning.Now I have confidence in myself. My tutor, Terri, has faith inme. She shows me that I can do it. I am proud of myself. Myfamily is proud of me too.– Marilyn LaRose, StudentA reward for both me and my student is the joy of the student resolving some of themysteries of the English language, expressing with more ease and fluidity things thatmade her stumble before. A reward for me is an additional outlet for creativity. There isthe pleasure of inventing new approaches to teaching difficult parts of the language, thestrategizing, as well as the feeling of teamwork, joint effort, when the student is watchfulof her needs and comes to class with questions and subject requests.– Marina Sorokin, TutorThank you for your great idea that allowed me to improve my English. As you can seemy English got better from the first time I wrote something in English. Your job is soimportant for people like me from all over the world that they can only be thankful.You are a person who is helping different people share their ideas and culture. Don’tgive up on continuing your peaceful job.– Kristina, Student9

I have been a member of Project Literacy’s Current Events class for two years. For ourweekly meetings, we read articles from a newspaper called Easy English News. Ournewspaper covers so many events - political, social, education. I love the ambiance. I amhappy to see my classmates every Tuesday and our lovely teacher Patricia Johnson.Thank you very much, Pat, and thank you, Project Literacy, for granting us this opportunity.– Hayat Badlissi-Ramanos, StudentI would like to learn English in order to look for a new job. When I come to practiceEnglish, I am better. Since I started in the program I have learned many more Englishwords. I understand more. For example, when you have a question for me, I can answerback. Often I can spell words when you are talking to me. I would like to learn morein the future.– Kusuma, StudentWorking with Suwat is a great experience. As a new tutor, I am very grateful that he is soeager to learn and open to trying any activity. It was great to find that he is also willing totake the lighter approach sometimes. We’ve tried games of I Spy or Pictionary to practicevocabulary, and practiced composition with illustrated stories. (He has a secret talent as acartoonist!) We’re both committed to the lessons, and we also want to have fun and enjoyeach other’s company. I have encouraged many friends to join Project Literacy, and I hopeto contribute to the program as much as I can.– Emily Avery-Miller, Tutor10

I love to come to school to learn English. Our classes are very interesting. We’re frommany different countries and we’re friends. The students in my English class are veryinteresting. I like my teachers, classmates and I like learning English.I’m Brazilian. I speak Farsi. I am from Cuba. I’m Moroccan. I’m Russian. I am fromGuatemala.– Aksana, Artashes, Genilson, Grisha, Naima, Salvador,Shogher, Tabbi, Yuseles, Students (Beginner 1 Evening Class)My husband and I came from Russia to the US in December 2009. My husband signedup for beginners class. I took a test and signed up for tutoring. From September 2010I started to attend the conversation group “Let’s Talk” and after some time I was luckyto get a tutor.Now, after a year of studying at Project Literacy I feel that my English has improvedvery much. This project gave me speaking skills and self-belief. Now I’m not afraid tocommunicate with people in the streets and at stores, to make an appointment with adoctor. My husband also began to understand English. I’m very grateful to the director ofthe project, to volunteers in the conversation class Ann, Jeanny, Rick, and especially to mytutor Ellen. They spent so much of their time helping us to feel better in our new country.– Zina Pinskaya, StudentWith the help of Susan Viskin, I became acquainted with my tutor, Jeffrey Stainton.He is a noble, intelligent, and outgoing man with a strong sense of humor, and is a realAmerican patriot. He is quite successful in correcting my English pronunciation and inteaching me how to properly express my thoughts. We meet once a week and during ourproductive meetings the time flies by unnoticed.Aside from our meetings at the library, we often attend cultural events, visit museums,take nature walks and discuss music, movies and art. We have a very strong friendshipand my life is better knowing him. I would like to say many times, thank you Jeffrey,you are the best.– Hamlet, Student11

I have a tutor teaching me the English language, especially conversation, that’s my goal.So I have a great tutor who spends time to teach me when we’re available. I can improvemy conversation to use in my normal life as well. I always recommend that other peoplejoin Project Literacy. I like the words that the person who interviewed me said to me:“If you want to get better, you have to change.” That’s why I’m still a student here.– Apirak Kulming, StudentWhen I retired about a year ago, I was looking for a way to have a meaningful, intellectuallystimulating activity that would be challenging and fun. I found this activity by being aProject Literacy volunteer. Every weekly session with my student has been interesting andenjoyable. I always look forward to our meetings. About once a month, I also participate inthe lively Let’s Talk conversation group. This has been another opportunity to share ideaswith people from many different cultures.It is trite but true to say that I have gained as much as I have given by being a volunteer.– Charlotte Millman, TutorWhy I am here in English classes? English is an international language. People from allover the world use English every day. I need to communicate with American people if Iwant to be accepted by them. I don't want to feel like an outsider. I would like to get a joband increase my skills in a career to an academic level. I have to communicate with myson's school staff, his teacher, with my neighbours and shop staff, customers and otherpeople. I want to be integrated into American culture, art, society because I like thiscountry and respect its people and want to be one of them.In Project Literacy, I have conversations and work on writing and grammar skills. I am notashamed of my bad English here, because all of our students are foreigners. We have contactwith each other and communicate with each other very well. We have an opportunity toknow about different cultures and countries. It's very interesting!!! I like these classes.–Olga Chuprakova, Student12

When I first became a Project Literacy volunteer, I was excited but concerned. Howwould I come up with weekly lesson plans? Well, it turns out that my student made it easyfor me. We begin each lesson with a conversation about how her week has been and whatproblems she has encountered. Based on what she tells me, I simply focus on her areas ofconcern and design the lesson around them, still incorporating practice ingrammar, pronunciation, comprehension, etc. We have covered topics such as going to adoctor, flying to Thailand and navigating through customs with a three-year-old son,talking to a preschool teacher and understanding the American school system, searchingfor a new apartment, understanding telephone take-out orders, and understanding slangencountered in a restaurant.From our weekly conversations, I see that many things I take for granted can be realobstacles for English language learners. So, while I have taught my student English andAmerican customs, she has given me a new sensitivity to people who are non-nativespeakers. And I have the opportunity to learn about Thai culture from an expert!– Linda Bound, TutorI have studied in this program for about three years, and my English language ability hasdeveloped from before I began to study. When I go outside I have more confidence to talkor ask other people questions. Before I studied I just said yes or no when they asked me,or I had to hide or run away when they came to talk to me.I like this project not just because they gave me knowledge but they gave me the bestteacher. She doesn’t teach me only the English language but she gives me advice on thingsI didn’t know. I can use her advice to do many things in everyday life and that is reallyhelpful to me.Project Literacy isn’t just good for me butit is also good for my friends. Project Literacygives opportunity to so many people becauseit is open for everyone. I am so happy that thelibrary will still keep going with the project.It is a really good program.– Luckana Penwutikor, Student13

I found the Project Literacy tutoring programat the Watertown Library the best for me.Tutoring was a very good chance for me tolearn English. When I met my tutor, she askedme a few questions on what I wanted to learn.I said I wanted to focus on pronunciation,speaking and writing.Every Tuesday, she gave me a chance to speak, read a book. She corrected my pronunciation.Sometimes we talk about my family, travel and hobbies. Also, she gave me homework forwriting and corrected my writing and e-mails. I'm very thankful to Project Literacy. It isa very good chance to learn English.– Se Hee Han, StudentSince November 1999, I have been a tutor with Project Literacy. I have taught ESL tostudents at various levels, from different ethnic backgrounds and countries, helping themachieve their goals in the U.S—mainly to read, write, understand and converse confidentlyin English, so they can meet the challenges of daily living in America and find jobs.It's been a very rewarding experience for me over the years to see how my students haveachieved their goals and benefited from the program. One student was successful inobtaining the job of her choice, a few others I assisted in studying for their U.S. Citizenshiptests, which they were able to take and pass. It is a pleasure for me to see how they haveblossomed in many directions at work and socially.Another student loved writing and I encouraged her to write essays. I asked her to write herreason for becoming a U.S. citizen. It was accepted and published in the Watertown Tab.She was encouraged and happy to see her letter in print. I'm proud of her efforts and herenterprising spirit.I too have learned a lot from my students: their interesting traditions, and also thedifficulties they've encountered learning to speak a new language in a country witha completely different culture. I have gained a much deeper appreciation of mystudents’ efforts.– Edna de Figueiredo, Tutor14

Project Literacy for us is the possibility to learn English, the ability to communicate withdifferent people from the US and other countries, the opportunity to study the traditionsand customs of people from the US and other countries, the capability to read in Englishand look at the world through different eyes.English class is a place where we are met by highly educated friendly teachers and wherewe come with pleasure. Here we meet with classmates, whom have become our friendsand with whom we speak English. Here we forget about our ages and learn English alongwith young people. English class is a place we feel that someone cares about us and triesto help us, is a place where we spend many holidays. At English classes, we were happyto know such teachers as Sharlene and Jane; they perceived us such as we are and mademore than they could to teach us.– Nicolai and Raisa, StudentsWhen I started dating my husband, a few years ago, every month I gave him an anniversarycard. A few years later, one day I was cleaning up my boxes and I saw some old cards. It’ssurprised me when I saw a “wife’s card.” I said: “oh my God!!!” ☺ I gave my husband thewrong card, it’s supposed to be a love card, but I gave a “wife’s card.” A BIG MISTAKE!!!– Hilauzane, Student (Beginner 3 Evening Class)I am so grateful to be a part of such a good and significant group with a lovely anddevoted teacher, Patricia Johnson. I can barely wait every Tuesday to come to class andenjoy reading the newspapers. Through the newspaper (Easy English News) we learn a lotof new things in many areas— like politics, life in the USA, how to be healthy,education, science, grammar, and current news. We really enjoy it.I want to thank Project Literacy for helping us succeed and perfect the English languageand to be good citizens for our children.– Mirela Spahillari, Student15

When my wife told me about Project Literacy and teaching English as a second language,I thought, Hey, I know English! I've been speaking it my whole life! I could do that! Butknowing something and teaching it are two different things. Fortunately, the folks atProject Literacy teach you how to teach English to adult learners.When I first met my student, I was a little nervous. But as the weeks passed, we fell intoa routine: he reads out loud, I read out loud, we talk, we role-play, we discuss world news.He came to this country seeking a better life for himself, his wife and his children. As wehave gotten to know each other, his goals have become clearer—to get a better job andobtain citizenship. He is learning English, I am learning about his culture, and each weekwe both make a little progress.– Robert Rogers, TutorI arrived in the USA without English. I really appreciated this wonderful organization asthey try to help make living here possible for everybody. I am a member of the Friends ofProject Literacy. I want to express my gratitude to everyone in this organization—especiallySue Viskin for her dedication and for the great job which she has done for 25 years. Iwish her all the best in the future.– Kira Belyalskaya, Student, Friends of Project Literacy board memberI expect that most Project Literacy encounters are unique and mine is no exception.We began our meetings when Tran was taking a cosmetology course, and the first fewmonths were devoted to helping her understand the text. She passed the course and wascertified, which was very gratifying to both of us. Tran likes to talk and reminisce aboutlife in Vietnam, providing opportunities for me to correct her English, and her stories areinteresting for me. Writing her stories has helped her writing ability.I find the challenge interesting, and the many ways in which Vietnamese differs fromEnglish gradually reveal themselves in a fascinating way. It took me a while to recognizethat the way she spoke reflected the speech patterns and grammar of her native language.The experience has been as challenging and interesting as any engineering problem Ihave encountered in my career.16– Robert Raymond, Tutor

When I came to the U.S, I had four childrenand I couldn’t speak English. I needed to go tothe doctor and I needed to talk to their teachers,but I didn’t really know any English, so that’s whyI began to learn English at Project Literacy.Now I feel a lot better knowing that I canunderstand what my doctors and teachersare saying when they’re talking to me. I’verecently gotten my Drivers License and my Citizenship. I want to thank you because,if we didn’t have free classes, we wouldn’t be able to do most of the things that we do inour daily life now. Thank You.– Haseen Ahmed, StudentI think the best partnerships are reciprocal, and I have gotten a lot out of the experienceof being a Project Literacy tutor. I admire my student’s courage, openness, curiosity, grace,and capacity for appreciation and learning. Each week, we work hard, laugh, problem-solveand share highlights or lowlights of our respective weeks. Seeing Watertown and Bostonthrough another’s lens broadens my own perspective on things I might take for granted.Over the shared desire to communicate, we have found common ground. I look forwardto our time together, and I love seeing the good progress made month to month.– Kate Lanou, TutorWhen I was new in this country, everything was new for me. I hadn’t gotten my driver’slicense yet, so I walked everywhere. I wanted to go to my friend’s house and I took ashort-cut. I realized I was walking too far and also this area wasn’t familiar to me. I gotvery anxious and started to cry and walked some more, until I saw a policeman and wentto him. When he saw me crying, he walked toward me curiously. He asked me “Whathappened? Why are you crying?” and I explained. So he told me as a joke, “if you won’tstop crying, I won’t show you the way.” The policeman left the person he was helping tocome and help me.– Naira Bilbulyan, Student17

I arrived in the U.S. not so long ago and I don’t speak English well. I came here fromIsrael, and I’m closely acquainted with the idea of a "melting pot". It means when you andmany other people who arrive at the same time with and you must look for a placeto live, a job to support your family and study a language that completely new. Gradually,all clicks into place.You get a new home, you get new friends and most importantly, you begin to understandthe language which you hear around you. You become a part of the community thatsurrounds you. Its holidays, prayers and songs fill your heart and you become an integralpart of the nation.American society also has a high ability to absorb new people based on the successfuluse of public, local and private initiatives. The impressive example of such initiatives isProject Literacy. In my opinion, such projects as Project Literacy are supporting the “fire”in American melting pot. Without them, it may fade away.When I come into our class, my new young friends are smiling at me. It makes me happyand I smile back. They came here from Brazil, Mexico, Albania, Morocco, Pakistan,Russia and other countries. We talk to each other. We tell stories about our lives in ourhometowns. And we sing together Michael Jackson's song: Heal the world we live in.Make it a better place for you and for me. Save it for our children. After the lesson whenI'm going home, which now is here in this country, I say to myself: “God bless America,Land that I Love.” And it makes me happy.– Viacheslav, StudentThis project is good. Our lessons help memore and more to get better in English. I canunderstand, speak and write better, then use ittoo. We try to speak and understand. In ourclass, we have different people from differentcountries and our pronunciations are differentsome times and are different for us but we tryagain and again.– Maria Elena Vorge, Student(Beginner 2 Evening Class)18

Having taught foreign languages in high school for many years, Project Literacy was an easynext step. I felt it was a place to use my skills. But it was so much more. In Project LiteracyI was able to teach highly motivated students who teach me about their own cultures asthey learn English. Since I teach a small conversation class, students share with me and withthe other students their stories, their views, and their hopes for the future. We often becomea support group for one another. I enjoy my role as teacher and mentor. Project Literacyhas allowed me the flexibility to do what I think is best for individual students.I appreciate that Project Literacy is part of my life. It allows me to feel useful. It gives methe opportunity to meet some amazing women.– Barbara Williams, TutorI did not have the opportunity to study English and to learn English was a dream sinceI was a child. I decided to come to U. S but I did not speak any English. When I gothere, I was so disappointed because I could not take the bus, train, go to the store. I feltthat I was lost.When I began to study English everything changed. Now, I can go to anywhere withoutgetting lost. I feel safer than before. To live in U.S. is a new experience in my life. Thethings that I like in U.S. are many beautiful places to visit, clothes and shoes are notexpensive. In the summer, we can make a barbecue at park, and the public transportationwork very well.The first thing that I did in English was I had to speak with my boss. Many communicationsmistake happened with me, but the most humorous was that I and my friends leftfrom English school. We are Christian and I sing at church. I asked a friend if he wasa singer. He said; yes I am. Another friend said Rita he is just 21 year old. And I said:What is the problem, 21 years old is a good age to be a singer. She said: Oh I thoughtthat, you asked him if he was single not a singer.– Rita Aruja (Intermediate 1 Evening Class)19

We study English in Project ESL Watertown Library. We are students beginner 2.We have many interesting classmates. There are many students from different countries.They speak own languages but they have to study English. English is very difficultlanguage but project ESL helps us. Our teacher is very good. She was born in India. Thisproject is very useful.– Valery, Misha, Luara, Students (Beginner 2 Evening Class)Project Literacy changed my life – it was like seeing the light. Taking classes was awonderful experience, not only because I learned to speak and understand English, butI also learned about American culture, how to solve daily problems, how to interviewfor a new job, how to make a resume, etc. My life changed completely. It was not an easyprocess. But the teachers and staff were there supporting us always.When I graduated from my English classes, I helped other students as a Student Advocate.Then I joined the board of Friends of Project Literacy. I had never thought about themachinery behind the classes, the activities, or the events.Finally I did the training to become a tutor. The relationship with our tutees is very close,like helping a friend, and we can see the results immediately. I am very proud to be partof this awesome team of volunteers. Now, my student Mara is a citizen. Bertha can talkwith her children's teachers. Ofelia, Matilde, and Alcira brighten my life by letting mehelp them.I want to say to all of them, don't give up on your dreams. You can learn to speak English.Project Literacy has been here 25 years helping people like me, like you. I did it. You cando it too.– Nelly Luna, former Student, Tutor, Friends of Project Literacy board member20

In this group there are 3 persons. One is Ademir, Ninaand Felsy. Everybody studied English for almost threemonths. Our class is always very interesting because,there are people from different countries and differentlanguage. Others speak Russian, Spanish, Portugueseetc. Our teacher is very good and intelligent woman.She is committed, we all like our teacher. Thanks.– Ademir, Nina, Felsy, Students (Beginner 2 Evening Class)Three years ago I was lucky to be assigned a personal tutor. I still remember the first timeI met with Brooke. I told her that I wanted to pass the MTEL test to get teaching licensureso I can be a Chinese teacher here. Starting from that day we had a very friendly teacherstudentrelationship.After 1 year of meeting I passed my MTEL test and got my teaching licensures. Brookethen became my best coach, she helped me edit my resume, before I had an interview, shehelped me practice. Two years ago I found a teaching job. Brooke plays a very importantrole in my communication with parents and colleagues. Her help goes far beyond the onehour tutoring meeting. I have no words to express my appreciation and my thanks for herkind help. I really enjoy our close and friendly relationship.– MuQing Gu, StudentThrough Project Literacy I have had the opportunity to tutor both Samaporn and Prem,a husband and wife from Thailand, who recently became first-time parents to babyElizabeth. They have both been very motivated and diligent students—unfailingly politeand grateful for the language assistance they receive through Project Literacy. Premworks very hard all week, but still finds time to complete the vocabulary and grammarexercises for our lessons. I know that Prem and Samaporn will be wonderful parents toElizabeth, who will benefit from her parents’ improved English language skills as shegrows up in the United States. It has been very satisfying to get to know this family andto assist them in learning English.– Erika Geetter, Tutor21

I enjoy tutoring Jen. She has an astounding intellect and a very strong desire to learn,combined with a not-yet-perfect English conversational style. Jen always wants toincorporate new words and sayings into her storehouse of understandings. She is anavid learner. For her, each week, some new words and sayings are gained; somepronunciation gets clarified.I gain in several ways from tutoring. In our talks, I get to learn some things about herinteresting culture. Having to explain some American things helps me to get a differentlook at them. What does “somehow” mean? How would you describe what a suburb is?What is the American dream? Because of this tutoring, I look at how I look at things.– Chuck Cobb, TutorI came to Boston from Armenia seven months ago. In September, I began to studyEnglish at Project Literacy. In the beginning, I made many funny mistakes. For example:I confused the pronunciation of the words Bible and Bubble, and other mistakes.Therefore, that I want to tell a story that happened many years ago with my son.My son got lessons from his English teacher to study the names of the colors. Hisgrandmother wanted to help him, thus she had to study the names of the colors herself.In order to memorize the word “green” she used the name of the writer Alex Grin, orshe used the name of Hitler’s wife Eva Brown to memorize the word “brown.”When I came home from my job, my son happily told me: “I learned the names of all thecolors.” I showed him different colors and he was naming them correctly, but when Ishowed him the color brown, he said “Eva.”– Luiza, Student(Beginner 3 Evening Class)22

When I was single and living in Armenia, life was much simpler. Living with my familywas comfortable, exciting and eventful. I had many family members and friends. Life washappy and carefree. After couple of years living in Armenia my husband had to relocate tothe United States for work. After relocating to the US, my life changed and got moredifficult. I was removed from my close family and relatives, and it was very difficult in thebeginning to adjust to this sudden culture change.After a couple years of adjustment, we had our first child. This was the most importantand exciting thing that happened to me in the US. I am working on learning English andgetting my driver’s license to make living the US much more interesting and easier.– Mane Davtyan, StudentAs a former student and a current tutor with Project Literacy, I deeply appreciate thiswonderful program. In the past, I had been enjoying both the advanced English class andthe different levels of computer classes. This computer training had become a great startfor developing my skills on a 21st century level.As a tutor, I am enjoying helping a person who needs English for making it in this country.Our meetings give her not just language skills, but also an ability to be independent andhope for professional development. Svitlana’s first essay in English and her first professionalcertification became our victories.– Lucy Dub, former Student , TutorI am very glad I found Project Literacy. It helps me learn English conversation,vocabulary, speaking and writing. The staff is very kind and helpful. Congratulationsto me because I found this class to learn English. Congratulations Project Literacy forcelebrating your 25th anniversary, and all the staff too, because they help this program.– Bina, Student23

I am studying English at Project Literacy in the Watertown Library. I am from Thailand.I want to learn English very well. My tutor’s name is Erika Geetter. She is very nice andkind to me. I have had English lessons for about one year. My English is good now.Thank you to my tutor and thank you Project Literacy.– Prem Arunsiri, StudentI have been a tutor for Project Literacy for three years. I became interested in tutoringafter hearing Greg Mortenson speak about his book Three Cups of Tea. Although notbold enough to travel the world to teach I found a world where the promotion of literacyis happening much closer to home, in the Project Literacy Program. I signed up, took thetutor training classes, and embarked on my journey as a tutor.As is true with many journeys, the result of my tutoring has been different from andricher than what I expected. I had hoped to make a difference in someone’s life and Ithink that I have. However, I have been changed by my learner as well. My student is anEnglish speaker working on literacy skills. The excitement she feels when she learns a newskill or understands something in a new way is inspiring. I am very proud of her, but moreimportant, she is proud of herself. Project Literacy offers opportunity for personal growthto its learners and tutors.I am delighted to be involved with Project Literacy as it celebrates 25 years in Watertown.– Terri Kolenbrander, TutorI live here for freedom. I love living here because there freedom express opinion, therepeople values for human beings and their rights. Here women have more rights. Womenand men are equal. Women are not forced to cover veils (shawls). I love living herebecause my children have education and lot of help from the school, but I don’t have ajob to make money to my family and very expensive city.– Jaleh Adibi, Student (Beginner 3 Evening Class)24

I would like to say that I feel like I was born again.Do you have any idea how difficult it's to live in adifferent country with a different language? Yousee people and try to talk, to express yourself, butyou are unable to let out all your thoughts! It's likea prison!I'm glad to have this opportunity to learn a new language in a safe and incentiveenvironment. No matter where you come from! Here at Project Literacy you are a person.No culture, no religion, no colors, no language, can put you apart. Here's a place thatwill make you work and grown up together! Sharing information and knowledge. Everytime someone in somewhere is trying to do their best, to make us better citizens to ourcommunity. Thank you.– Leo and Flavia, StudentsOne of the four students who had been coming to my weekly class for over five yearsasked me for the first time, “Why do you teach us?” This student had recently gotten alittle pensive. She and her husband had recently landed excellent jobs in industry, andshe knew that they both would have to leave my class to take them (which they did, afew months later).Unsurprisingly, there were a variety of reasons why I taught my class: a desire to dosome kind of public service; a love of teaching; an impulse to honor my parents, who wereteachers through and through. When I answered, however, it was with a cliché: we (theUnited States) are a nation of immigrants, and immigrants make us strong, as long as wedo what is needed to allow them (who become us) to thrive.Later that night, I considered some more and decided that, clichéd or not, the thoughtsI had expressed in that answer really had seeped into my blood over the past six-plus yearsof teaching.– Jim Greiner, Tutor25

My name is Isaya and I’m from Tanzania.The Watertown Library is one of my favoriteplaces to study. When I came in contact withthe Watertown Library, I first met with SusanViskin. A few weeks later I received a call fromLaura telling me that I have a tutor. I couldn’tbelieve it but I went to meet the tutor and shestarted tutoring me right way. I wasn’t sure ifI would be able to write an essay by myself. Itwas very hard to think what to write or how to write it, but my tutor VJ taught meimportant ways of improving my writing skills, how to organize and structure my writing,which has made a huge difference within a very short period of time. Since I met her,my writing and science have gotten much better. Thank you to Susan and Laura forconnecting me with VJ.I am hoping to continue to learn from her with the focus on other subjects like socialstudies, math and reading. My goal is to pass my GED exam and then go to college.The Library is an important, free, quiet place that can help your dream come true,especially when you have problems achieving your high school diploma or gettingeducation in general.– Isaya Lukumay, StudentWorking with Lina fired up in me the sense that I had something to offer, the capacity tohelp based on my language skill and my empathy. I could tap my creative imagination inresponding to Lina’s language learning needs. I saw that growing ease and trust, with adab of humor, could bridge barriers of language and culture. We both came to understandnuances of one another’s culture - a New York Jew and a Lebanese Muslim; our kindheartedcollaboration bridged more than language. As Lina navigates the English-speakingworld of commerce, school, healthcare, and more, she has sought advice and I in turn havebeen privileged to have a window into an immigrant life, along with fascinating insightsinto Lebanese culture.– Dan Mausner, Tutor26

For the past three years, I’ve been involved with Project Literacy as a tutor, Let’s Talkfacilitator, and a member of the Friends of Project Literacy. From these varied perspectives,I’ve seen first-hand the dedication of the staff and volunteers and the commitment of thestudents. Most importantly, I’ve seen how Project Literacy can change lives.When I first began, I tutored a Thai woman who had a six-year old daughter. One of hergoals was to read English bedtime stories to her daughter. Each time we met, we chose achildren’s book, which my student read aloud as I coached her on pronunciation and vocabulary.By tutoring her, I was helping both mother and daughter adjust to life in this country.It is gratifying to feel that my volunteer work is helping newcomers. But even moreimportant is the benefit I’m receiving from getting to know extraordinary people whohave the courage to start a new life and the motivation to make it a success.– Ellen Isenstein, Tutor, Friends of Project Literacy board memberWhen I came to the U.S., I didn't speak English. It was so difficult for me. I didn'tunderstand people on the street. Then, after a few months, I received an invitation toProject Literacy; it was so good for me. Now I feel much better; now I'm not scared whenpeople ask me about something. I take care of my daughter now and I don't work, butsoon I'd like to have a good job and I will need to go to college. I should study English,because this is my future.Project Literacy does good things for me. I have an opportunity to study English, whichis very important for me. Thanks, Project Literacy, for everything.– Maria Slavitskaya, StudentI like my “English class” and my friends-students. I have to tell you about very interestingprograms of our class. We are learning new words and idioms. Our teacher is Neela andhas very good English.– Nellia Gavryliak, Jean M. Bazile, Vladimir Khalagrin, Students(Beginner 2 Evening Class)27

Tutoring at Project Literacy has been like traveling to far places without leaving theWatertown Free Public Library. ESL students are often not fully assimilated; some livein a colony of their compatriots, still in their native cultures. Tutoring can give you a tasteof those cultures.My current tutee is a young family man from Brazil; I am perhaps the only person withwhom he converses in English. It may be that his weekly meetings with someone whocan't speak Portuguese give him a sense of belonging to the culture outside of his colony.His situation is insecure, yet I've never heard him express anxiety over it. He is enviablyeasy-going. When describing a mishap, like a fender bender, he shrugs it off with a curlof the lip and a dismissive "eh." He is very cool, reminding me of the laid-back sound ofBossa Nova. Since I’m a chronic worrier, I find his nonchalance refreshing, and thecontrast between our styles amuses us both.Meanwhile I'm teaching him English, a difficult language. I think that change will takea long time. In the meantime, the meetings give both of us pleasure, and his life nowincludes more contact with an Anglo.– Joe Mayer, TutorI am studying English at Watertown library. My tutor’s name is Lucy. She is veryprofessional and kind. I like my English study. Thank you Project Literacy!– Svitlana Zarakhosvska, StudentWe like to study English. We like to go to this school. It’s useful. What do you do here?They study English because they come from different countries. This program helps themlive and work in U. S. A. This program is very good.– Lyndmila, Lyla, Nadya (Beginner 2 Evening Class)28

I am studying with Project Literacy. I live in Watertown Massachusetts. Every Tuesdayand Thursday, I go to the school because I want to learn more English to help my kidswith their homework and for conferences with their teachers too.English is very important for our lives in this country. If you don’t learn English, it is veryhard, because you can’t speak with anybody. Since the U.S.A. has many different types ofpeople and languages, English is the common language. I come twice a week to Englishclass. I like this language.The teacher is very nice and my classmates too. We learn English so we can find verygood jobs and we can make very good friends. I am very happy that we have thisopportunity in this town. My dream is to learn to write, read and speak very well. Thankyou to the people who help the program.– Amalia Zamora, Student (Advanced Evening Class)I am quite fortunate to have Hamlet as an extraordinary ESL student and fine friend. We'vebeen meeting weekly for more than 3 years.He studies diligently and makes me even more aware of my own language. Our discussionshave a wide scope of language, culture and humor. There have been some great outings.We have met each other’s families and friends, and have shared photographs and manycomestibles, yes indeed! Thank you, Hamlet.So I must say the connection I have with Hamlet and Project Literacy has beeninvaluable to me.– Jeffrey Stainton, Tutor29

For years, I have volunteered with Project Literacy to assist learners from Armenia,Morocco, South Korea and Pakistan. Sharing the world of words, both spoken andwritten, brings joy to the learner and the tutor, along with practical know-how and lifeskills. With each learner , we developed trust and friendship based on mutual respect andunderstanding. Each has made progress in speaking and writing English, overcoming atroublesome language barrier.The value of Project Literacy is not counted in dollars, but economic benefits certainlyfollow. Our community is enriched by the addition of productive citizens, while familiesand individuals gain access to jobs, community activities and full participation in lifearound them.For facilitating this powerful human-scale enterprise, I celebrate Project Literacy's 25years of existence and hope to participate for many more years.– Nicki Famiglietti, TutorI have been a member of Project Literacy’s Current Events class for five years. In classwe use a newspaper called Easy English News. I learn a lot when I read the news andsee what is happening in other parts of the world. From my experience reading thenewspaper, I have learned about the different cultures from so many countries. We talkabout these differences in class and we discuss them. I like the discussion a lot.– Roseline Lagene, Student30

Fifteen years ago I became a member of Watertown Public Library. This place for me is asecond home in many ways. I started with the help of Project Literacy to study English atWatertown High School’s evening class.The second step— also with the help of Project Literacy—I got a tutor who taught mefor three years until I passed my interview for citizenship in 2003. (Now we meet once amonth to share events which have happened since then.)At the same time, I began attending the small group called “Let’s Talk” which wasorganized by Project Literacy. I am a member of Project Literacy’s Current Events classwith our beloved teacher Pat Johnson, who has been with the group for many years.Our meetings with the group and Pat Johnson are very warm and friendly.– Alla Chernyakova, StudentIsaya, who migrated from Tanzania, was looking for a tutor to assist him in taking his GED.I was happy and excited to extend my support. He is an intrinsically motivated, goal-orientedperson. He wonders about everything around him, with lots of enthusiasm, admirablecuriosity, immense creativity, intense commitment, and high energy. I see him as a rising starwith the support of Project Literacy. He is ever ready to expand his horizons and use hisskills and talents to his fullest potential. I can relate to him, as we all feel that way when wecome from other developing countries. America and the opportunities here amaze us!Project Literacy is a gift to the residents of Watertown and is making a significantcontribution to the community in general. It is a great program not only for the benefitof the students but also the tutors, who feel a sense of contribution and gratification bygiving back to the community.– Vijaya Jayaraman (VJ), TutorI am a foreigner who didn’t have any real American education before, so this ProjectLiteracy means a lot for me. Here I can improve my English speaking skill with a lotof lovely friends under the help of Barbara. I love this group!! Thanks very much forproviding this fantastic program for us.– Lei Shi, Student31

My involvement with Project Literacy started when I began tutoring two studentsseveral years back – a Vietnamese nun and a Chinese woman. The three of us developeda wonderfully close relationship. Getting to know these women and their getting to knowme was a mutual gift. Together, we shared common interests and views.Talking with others from different parts of the world widened my understanding ofpolitics and gave me a greater understanding of the world’s many problems; it has donethe same for the students. It should come as no surprise that our weekly discussionsinvolve current events.Over the years, I have gotten to know students from everywhere. We have shared eachother’s stories and, I hope, learned from each other. We have become long-lasting friends.– Pat Johnson, TutorI’ve volunteered with Project Literacy for about eleven years, first as a facilitator in theLet’s Talk group, where I enjoyed meeting learners from more than 20 countries, and thenas a tutor. I had never taught foreign-language speakers, and I found the tutor trainingprogram very valuable. First I taught small groups. I was amazed that it was possible tocommunicate with people of such varied backgrounds, none of whose languages I knewexcept Spanish. It may actually be better not to know the language of the people youteach, because then you have to solve the same basic problem as your students—learningto speak to people who don’t understand your language.It’s interesting to see their different learning styles. I think the most successful learningexperiences come from our conversations about our lives, our work, and our families.They have shared Thanksgiving dinner with our family, and my husband and I have eatenat their restaurant. Like many other Project Literacy tutors, I am grateful for all I learnfrom my students, as well as for the opportunity to teach such diligent learners about ourlanguage and culture.– Deborah Melone, Tutor32

When I arrived in the United States, I waspleasantly surprised that even absolutelyunknown to me people greeted me whenI met them, and very often my neighborswelcomed me, saying “how do you do?” andI doubted how to answer correctly.Only when I started studying English our teacher, Neela, explained to us that “How doyou do?” is not a question, but is the form of a greeting and doesn’t require any otheranswer apart from the same phrase, “how do you do?” And if you meet a person fromtime to time you say “how are you?” The answer should be brief. It would be very comicalto give a long reply. These pieces of advice were very useful for me and I follow them.– Tatiana Tripolski, Student (Beginner 3 Evening Class)Over the years, I have tutored women from Armenia, Korea, India, and Thailand. Onewoman wanted to improve her English so she could teach piano. One mother wanted tobe able to talk to her son’s teacher. One woman who works in a Thai restaurant choppingvegetables would like to be able to wait on customers. Another student wants to study forher US citizenship test.Many immigrants have come here in search of a better life. They earn money to send tofamily back home. Some are here with their husbands who are on a fellowship.I may have taught these women a little English, but they have taught me how to makepad thai, how to be hospitable to guests in your home, and that family means everything.Through my literacy tutoring, I realized that the world is a very small place and that weare not that different from mothers in other countries.– Sheila Doctoroff, Tutor33

AcknowledgementsProject Literacy is funded through grants, contributions from individuals and businesses,and the support of the Town of Watertown and the Watertown Free Public Library.We would like to extend a special thank you to these major donors, without whomProject Literacy would not be able to serve so many deserving students:The Bilezikian Family FoundationFirst LiteracyWatertown Community FoundationWatertown/Harvard and Watertown/O’NeillProperties Community Enrichment FundWatertown Savings BankWe would like to thank the following for matching their employees’ gifts to Project Literacy:FM Global FoundationIBMLiberty Mutual Group (Give with Liberty)MicrosoftThe Pfizer FoundationWe gratefully acknowledge the generosity of contributions from these area businesses:A. Russo & SonsAmarin of Thailand, NewtonAmir Viskin, Baystate Financial ServicesArax MarketBig Sky BakeryCambridge Trust CompanyChristian Mombru, Private Music LessonsDanish Pastry HouseEastern BankEl Shaddai Ministries, MassachusettsFastachiThe Halfway CafeHope Elder LawIggy’s Bread of the World, CambridgeInfinite Blue CreativeKarol Zolud, Home ImprovementRenovationsLandscape Collaborative of New EnglandMassis BakeryMaximo’sMCI Contracting, StoughtonMinuteman Press of LowellMolana RestaurantNelly Luna, Private Spanish ClassesProject SAVE Armenian PhotographArchivesRandy’s Car WashSevan BakeryStarbucks, 259 Centre St., NewtonStarbucks, WatertownStellina RestaurantTrader Joe’s, Fresh PondVanes’ Ornamental Iron WorksVerona RestaurantWatertown Animal HospitalWatertown Main St. FlowersWatertown Saturday Toastmasters ClubWhole Foods Market, Fresh Pond34

Finally, we’d like to recognize our individual contributors, whose extraordinary generosityand commitment continues to build the Project Literacy community.In FY 2012, through April 10, 96 individuals have made gifts to support the work ofProject Literacy, and by year end, 80 volunteer tutors will have donated over 6,000 hoursto support the dreams of 100 adult students.– Laurie Garden and Karen Roubicek, Co-Presidents, Friends of Project Literacy35

“A teacher affects eternity:he can never tellwhere his influence stops.”~ Henry AdamsCambridge Trust Companyis proud to support Project Literacy.Cambridge Trust CompanyPERSONAL BANKING | BUSINESS BANKING | WEALTH MANAGEMENTMEMBER FDIC | 617-876-5500 | www.cambridgetrust.comThank you Project Literacyand teacher Neela for your helpto all the people of differentcountries and languages.Our life became more interestingwhen we started at PL.3 Cheers forProject Literacy!Now we better understandEnglish and can speakwith American people.Congratulations for the25th Anniversary.ESOL Beginner 2 ClassWatertown, MA 02472Tel: (617) 926-8549

!Congratulations PL for agreat job helping people whocannot speak English!!!Project SAVEArmenian Photograph Archives, Inc.Watertown, Massachusettsvisit us at 65 Main St., 3 rd fl.617-923-4542archives@ProjectSAVE.orgwww.ProjectSAVE.org!Congratulations!"#$%&'()*'%"+&,("#$%!&'!()*%+!#,!+$--#%./01!.2#+)!0)3!.#!.2)!4*.)%.#30!*%)*!3/.2!5016/+2!6*01$*1)!/0+.%$7./#0!8)0),/.+!)9)%(#0)!/0!#$%!7#::$0/.(;!!Thank You!Thank you and the WatertownFree Library for your patienceand taking care of us and helpingus to learn English and computersand make many new friends.Thank you in our languages:Obriado, Shnorhakalutyun,Efharisto, Spasibo, Oserama,Sepasgozavie, Todah RabbahThe Students ofESOL Beginner 3 ClassCongratulations, Project Literacy, on 25 productive yearsserving the Watertown community.Stellina Restaurant, 47 Main St., Watertown Square 617-924-9475Dinner 7 nights a week beginning at 5:00Lunch Tuesday-Friday 11:30-2:00

Best wishes for a happy anniversaryto a program that so greatlyimproves immigrants’ chances of survival.May this important service continue tobe successful for years to come.Karol ZoludHome Improvement RenovationsPhone: 617 921 7541Nelly LunaPrivate Spanish ClassesWishesHappy 25th AnniversaryProject LiteracyKeep going buildinga better world!Nelly Luna Private Spanish classes.Very experienced Spanish teacher.All ages. All levels. Affordable prices.Information 617-447-8374Or neluna@hotmail.com25 yearsmakes a difference.25 years of giving usa better education.Project Literacy makesour lives easier.Project Literacy makesgood citizens.Thank you very much.Please keep going.Best wishes on the next 25 years.ESOL Advanced Class

Christian MombruPrivate Music LessonsHappy 25th AnniversaryProject Literacy25 years changing livesOffers Sax, Piano and Guitar lessons.Talented and experienced musician.Information 857-233-6278Or mombruc@gmail.comSometimes English is veryfrustrating. (adjective)Then it frustrates us, (verb)and we feel frustrated. (adjective)Project Literacy makes Englishless frustrating, (adjective)Then English frustrates us less. (verb)With Project Literacy, we feelless frustrated. (adjective)Thank you so much,Project Literacy!And congratulations on yourBig Anniversary!!!from the 2011-2012ESOL Intermediate 2 Class!"#$%&'()&'*"#+,-.%"/01'-2*'0%&134-- - -56-30&%+-"7-&89&#1*#$-)*'0%&13-*#-:&'0%'";#-- - - - - - -- -*+?*#,-!@. - - A - -B0$*+'0%08-B0C%0+0#'&'*90-D-@*#&#1*&)-

Andrew J. McInnis• Construction Management• General Contracting• Architectural Millwork781.344.5507fax 781.344.08001296 Washington StreetStoughton, MA 02072andrewm@mcicontracting.comwww.mcicontracting.comHappy 25th Anniversaryto Project Literacy!Thanks for helping usto learn English.We wish yougood luck forever!Sincerely,ESOL Intermediate 1 Class

We are learning English.We like our teacher.Thank you Project Literacy.Happy 25th Anniversary toWatertown Project Literacy!ESOL Beginner 1 Class394 Main Street, WatertownKids Eat Free, Monday and Tuesday Night

WATERTOWN SATURDAY TOASTMASTERS CLUB9:00 to 10:30 am, 1st and 3rd SaturdaysGuests are always welcomeQUESTIONS?CALL: VJ 951-892-4340 or Judi 617-974-9887Eastern Bank, One Church Street (Church Main)Watertown, MA 02472TOASTMASTERS – WHERE LEADERS ARE MADEThank YouProject Literacy,for 25 Years ofHelping Adult LearnersFulfill Their Dreams!infinite blue creativedesign | marketing | messagingwww.infinitebluecreative.com

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Happy 25th AnniversaryProject Literacy!