Spring 2026

 

Dear friends of Project Literacy,

​

The past year and a half brought an onslaught of unexpected challenges, but even in uncertainty, our community showed remarkable resilience. Project Literacy’s services were steady and vital during this time. Many new learners expressed fear that if they could not communicate clearly in English, they would not be able to advocate for themselves or explain their innocence if confronted. Language for them is not just education, it is also their protection. Because of your generosity, we were able to respond. 

Your donations allowed us to begin online beginner classes and tutoring at a critical moment. Changes in immigration policies and the closure of local shelters led to a decline in overall enrollment and a dip in attendance at in-person, beginner classes. With your support, we were able to provide free, high-quality curriculum, accessible books, and introduced an app that strengthened reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. These online classes did more than improve English proficiency. They created a place for connection and provided safety. They reminded the students they were not alone.  

As the country overall saw a drop in our immigrant population, Project Literacy continued to welcome new families seeking safety, opportunity and belonging. Over time we saw an increase in enrollment in our advanced level classes. 

We also saw a surge in community members stepping forward to volunteer and stand alongside our immigrant neighbors. Project Literacy and the Watertown Library now offer multilingual resources including legal support referrals, Know Your Rights information, assistance completing emergency caregiver affidavits, and two immigration clinics that provided free legal consultations and updates from the ACLU.  

Today, Project Literacy serves 532 students with the support of 12 dedicated ELL teachers and 137 committed tutors. Our open enrollment model allows students to begin their learning journey throughout the year, and thanks to our growing volunteer-led classes, we can move students off waitlists and into classrooms as quickly as possible. 

Goals for 2026 included expanding classes that offer childcare and making classes available at typical non-working hours in hopes of reducing barriers that stop our eager parents from learning. We hosted events that celebrate the strength found in diversity and give a sense of belonging we create together, such as “Community Stories: Overcoming Adversity; Stories from Near and Far.” In May, Project Literacy students, staff and families gather at Filippello Park for our annual End-of-Year Picnic in celebration of our academic year ending, and we’ll gather at Saltonstall Park to welcome the World Cup! Over the summer, we’ll hold our summer classes as well as volunteer info sessions and trainings to help support our team of educators. 

Thank you for all your support that has helped us build a stronger, and more compassionate community. 

 

With thanks and best wishes,

Janet Saied

Program Director, Project Literacy