Spanish-speaking residents can complete their education through Salinas program
A group of students leaned over their desks with a pencil in hand. They were hard at work completing math and writing exercises.
The students didn't get dropped off by mom or dad at an elementary or high school campus. They attend class at Alisal Family Resource Center's Plaza Comunitaria. The literacy classes are for adult Spanish speakers, who need to complete an elementary, middle, or high school level education.
The program has been in operation for more than a decade, but educators are hoping more people will take advantage of the free class.
Lifelong learners
Oralia Villanueva has taught the program for 15 years and teaches her adult students subjects ranging from vocabulary, spelling, reading, writing, health, and more.
The majority of her students, she says, came to the U.S. from countries like Mexico and El Salvador with nothing more than an elementary school level education. The program is held in collaboration with the Mexican consulate.
Villanueva says many of her students take her class to set a positive example for their children, expand their job opportunities and improve their self-esteem.
“I see sometimes that their self-esteem is so damaged. It's likely because of their circumstances, our culture, and the type of life so many of us had as children in another country,” Villanueva said. “When they work at something to have it for themselves, their self-esteem improves greatly.”
Consuelo Rosales dreams of one-day leading community work in Salinas and believes taking the class will put her on that path.
“The people who come here with their dreams, this is a way to make it real,” Rosales said. “Our instructor is always supporting us, encouraging us, and it’s good to have an educator who shows she is invested in us.”
Graduations are held for those who complete their certifications. Villanueva says the goal is to help each student get on track to earn a GED.
Some of her graduated students have been accepted into Hartnell College, Cal State University Monterey Bay, or have gone on to become teachers.
“A lot of the students are farm workers who can’t always make it in-person, but they log on during their lunch breaks all the way from the fields just to get it done,” Villanueva said. “It makes me happy to see that our people can achieve so many things.”
The class is offered in-person at the resource center Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. An online class is also available Monday through Thursday from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Students can choose which days they want to attend. Students may also receive help with childcare.
For more information, residents can call (831) 775-4500 or visit the Alisal Family Resource Center at 1441 Del Monte Avenue.
This article originally appeared on Salinas Californian: Salinas residents earn elementary and high school level certification
