Bet Ha’am’s Social Action Committee presents a special Shabbat service on Friday, October 21 at 7:30 p.m. about the educational needs of Maine’s recent immigrants and how congregants can help. This is the first in a yearlong series of programs about new Mainers.
Immigrants from Sudan, Somalia, Iraq, Rwanda and many other countries have moved to the Portland area in recent years. About one-quarter of the children who attend the Portland Public Schools speak a language other than English at home - and more than 50 language groups are represented.
Learning English is a critical first step in integrating immigrants into our community. But programs such as Portland Adult Education are overwhelmed by the demand for English language instruction and adult students often have to wait several months or longer to begin classes. Once they enroll, many face the challenge of learning a new language while raising children, working to support their families and adjusting to life in a new country. Volunteer tutors can make a big difference by working one-on-one with adult learners and by helping them prepare for the U.S. citizenship test.
An immigrant who is working to earn her GED give the d’var Torah at the October 21st service. The service will include special recognition for members of Bet Ha’am who teach English as a Second Language and those who volunteer as tutors. If you are among those teachers and tutors, please e-mail Elaine Falender at gayerfal@maine.rr.com so that we can be sure to include you in the service.
The service also will include a moving song by Bet Ha’am member Rita Kissen about her immigrant grandmother’s long-held desire to learn how to write her own name. During the oneg, congregants will be able to find out about opportunities for volunteering in adult education classrooms and as mentors and tutors.
Bet Ha’am is collecting children’s books and easy-to-read adult books in decent condition to donate to the free bookshelf at Portland Adult Education. These books are available for English language learners to take home for practice and to read to their children.
Please bring books to the October 21 service. We also have a collection box at Bet Ha’am so books may be left at any time. We would love to see a B’nai Mitzvot student take on this project and continue it throughout the year. If you are interested, please contact Abby Zimet at planetz@gwi.net.
No comments:
Post a Comment