Making a Difference
Our students obtain their GED, enroll in post-secondary education, pass the Test for Adult Basic Education (TABE), obtain a driver's license, learn English skills to enter school or employment, read to thier children, and pass the exam to become a U.S. citizen.
Published
Tatiana, an ESL student with READ Lakeland. Inc. was recently honored by the Florida Literacy Coalition (FLC) for an essay she wrote for the FLC's annual essay contest. The essay, "My Two Countries", was published in the annual Florida Literacy Coalition's book of essays. Tatiana and her tutor, Dr. Irma Dietert, were invited to attend the annual Florida Literacy Coalition conference at the Omni Rosen Hotel on International Drive. The conference offered educational workshops, information on literacy, a luncheon, and an opportunity for Tatiana to read her essay to attendees. READ Lakeland is proud of Tatiana and her accomplishments during the one-and-a-half years she has lived in the United States. We thank Irma for volunteering her time to tutor Tatiana. She received a copy of the book and sent a copy of her essay to her Father in Columbia.
Determined to Improve
When Tyrone, 33 years old, called READ Lakeland, he was discouraged, unable to provide for his family of two young daughters, and embarrassed about his 3rd-grade level reading skills. We provided him with a tutor who helped him improve his reading skills and self-confidence. Tyrone found a job that allowed him to support his family and. with the encouragement of his tutor, he began to reach toward a more secure future. He recently completed a course at PSC. While his economic problems are not over, his READ Lakeland tutor continues to provide him with academic support while helping guide him through the maze of college and financial aid applications. He is determined to improve his family's life and become a productive citizen.
A Better Life
Olivia is a 26-year-old Hispanic student with an ESE high school diploma who works for the Polk County School Board as a custodian at Medulla Elementary School. She has good conversational English skills and also speaks Spanish at home. She came to READ Lakeland to improve her reading and writing skills with a long-term goal of continuing her education to get a degree in early childhood education. She also wants to help her four-year-old daughter Learn so she will have a strong start in school Olivia has worked with her tutor to improve her vocabulary and basic writing skills as well as reading skills. She was recently recognized as the School Related Employee of the Year at Medulla Elementary. Olivia also helps the school officials by interpreting for Spanish-speaking parents.