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Greetings from 
Friends of Project Literacy

For 37 years, Project Literacy has helped adults learn to read, write and speak English.
 
Project Literacy’s learners, teachers and tutors are bright, committed and resilient. They’ve built a thriving and dynamic learning community based in Watertown. Please read on to learn
more about their stories and how you can support them. 

Engaging with the Community

On April 24, Watertowners gathered to hear Community Stories presented by Project Literacy and the Watertown Citizens Refugee Support Group. 17 presenters, all of whom identify as English language learners, shared their stories with a full house of neighbors, family and friends. 

The theme of the showcase was “belonging.” The stories and perspectives were as brilliant and diverse as the group of presenters. 

Photo credit: Jamie Kallestad, Watertown Free Public Library

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I think your team of teachers is exceptional...Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the attention and concern and humanity you show us.

~ Zhelka, Project Literacy learner

Inspired to help support Project Literacy? Learn how.

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From the Program Director

It’s been extraordinary to see our volunteers, teachers and community members step up in so many ways to meet the needs of our growing new immigrant population this past year. Our program has grown significantly and our Project Literacy family has helped our new learners become more comfortable through English classes, events and most importantly, new friendships.

 

Many of our new students have been at a beginner level. While our classes began to fill up, volunteers teamed up to co-teach classes and keep new learners off waitlists. Our veteran volunteers have led workshops and trainings to help new ones feel comfortable working with beginners. Participants became familiar with a range of techniques, activities, and resources to use in their tutoring sessions. Following the training we matched each tutor with either a single learner or a small group. It’s been truly inspiring to watch how many new classes and matches we’ve been able to create because of our team of volunteers.

Janet Saied, Program Director, Project Literacy

Photo credit: Erin Ward

Project Literacy students hail from:

Afghanistan Albania Argentina Armenia Azerbaijan Bangladesh Belarus Benin 

Bolivia Brazil Bulgaria

Burma

Chile

China

Colombia

Costa Rica

Cuba

Dominican Republic Ecuador

Egypt

El Salvador

Eritrea

Ethiopia

Germany

Guatemala

Haiti

Honduras

Hong Kong

India

Indonesia

Iran

Iraq

Israel

Italy

Ivory Coast Japan

Jordan Kazakhstan Korea

Latvia

Lebanon

Mexico

Moldova

Morocco

Nepal

Nicaragua Pakistan

Panama

Peru

Portugal

Republic Moldova Russia

Spain

Sri Lanka

Sudan

Syria

Taiwan

Thailand

Togo

Turkey

United Arab Emirates

Ukraine

Uzbekistan

Venezuela

Viet Nam

Student Spotlight

Read about accomplishments of Project Literacy students and hear their stories. 

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I love this community. Everyone encourages each other.

~ Mamak, former Project Literacy learner, teaching assistant and Friends of Project Literacy board member

Donate to Support Project Literacy

Your support will help Project Literacy continue to meet the learning goals and needs that students have today. They are learning the crucial skills that will help them access health care, navigate the education system, and find secure and meaningful work.

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