Voices of Project Literacy - Watertown Free Public Library

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