Adult Learners Write to Washington
(Posted May, 2003)

In January and February, 2003, federal funding for adult literacy was in danger. Congress was thinking about cutting back on the funds that go to adult education programs.

Around the U.S., supporters of adult education got organized to respond. This included adult learners.

Some adult learners wrote to their Senators and Congresspersons, asking that adult literacy funds not be cut.

Here are some letters from students in the Brooklyn College adult education programs. They wrote to Senator Hillary Clinton and Senator Charles Schumer.

Dear Senator Schumer,

I am a student in . . . the Brooklyn College Adult Literacy Program. I am learning a lot of things about how to speak well, how to read in English. The pronunciation is very important for me and how to write properly in English. I learn American history and customs. I can go forward with my education.

I can understand my boss. I can go meetings and understand everything.

This program is important to me because now, if I stay, I can go to college. It also offers me the opportunity to develop a better career.

Adult education needs a big increase in funding. But at least we need our funding for 2003 to stay at the current level. Please do everything in your power to preserve our funding.

Sincerely,

Paul Jour

Dear Senator Schumer,

I am a student in the Brooklyn College Adult Literacy Program. In this class I am learning to read, write, and speak English. We are learning to communicate with other people who speak English. This program is important to me because it allows me to attend school for free.

It helps me communicate with other English speakers. I can continue my studies in college. I feel so much better doing everyday things.

I can also work and help support my family. I can become a citizen.

Sincerely,

Meryem Kirmizi

Dear Senator Schumer,

I am a student in the Brooklyn College Adult Literacy Program. In this class I am learning English. I am learning to speak, write, and understand English. This program is important to me because now I can help my children with school work and I can speak to their teachers. I want to work and want to have my children be proud of me.

Thank you,

Martha Garzon

Dear Senator Schumer,

In this class I am learning literature, grammar, writing, and the culture and history of the U.S.

This program is important for me. I am a new immigrant to the U.S. A new life is just beginning for me. My English is poor. I have to improve my English first to understand the culture here, communicate with the native people, and get a good job.

Many of us are immigrants in a strange country. Not knowing English well, having a poor job and with many things to pay for, I need help.

The program helps me and I get more confidence to live here. Most of my classmates had education in their old countries. But not knowing English, they just turn into illiterates. It is a waste, isn’t it?

Help us to master English. We can use our old experience to get a good job here. Even we can pay more income tax to the government.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Helen Lee

Revised 5/22/03