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DCLC to Celebrate GED Graduation
Wed., June 19, 5:30 p.m., at Widener’s Lathem Hall

DCLC Adult Learner Receives GED Credential at DCLC Graduation CeremonyJoin us on Wednesday, June 19, to celebrate the accomplishments of adults who have overcome great obstacles to persevere and reach the goal of earning their GEDs.

The Delaware County Literacy Council’s GED Graduation Ceremony will be held at 5:30 p.m., June 19, 2013, in Lathem Hall on the campus of Widener University (13th and Potter Streets in Chester, PA 19013; see #24 on campus map).

All are welcome to attend this uplifting event that showcases the hard work and dedication of the adult learners who come to DCLC for help with reading, writing, math, and GED preparation. We hope to see you there.

 

June 1st Yard Sale Cancelled

Due to insufficient vendors, DCLC will not hold its planned fundraising Yard Sale on June 1, 2013. Thanks to all who expressed interest and support.

Changes Planned for GED
DCLC Informs Community; Takes Decisive Action

In January 2014, the GED Testing Service is changing the test. The content of the new GED test will be more complex, and the test will be administered on the computer. That means that adults who have passed some but not all of the test by December 2013 will lose all of their passing scores and will have to start from the beginning. At DCLC, we offer free classes and materials to adults who need to improve their skills before taking the GED test.

Not having a high school diploma can hurt a person’s ability to get a job and to earn a living wage once employed. In Delaware County there are 50,400 adults, 9% of our population, who did not complete high school. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that people without a high school diploma or GED have an unemployment rate 50% higher than people with a diploma or GED.

This summer DCLC will be offering some fast-track classes for adult learners who have already passed at least one of the GED tests. To learn more, call us at 610-876-4811.

Read DCLC Executive Director Kate Hyzer’s letter to the editor on this subject, published in the Delaware County Daily Times in February 2013.

DCLC Building Has Modified Hours

The DCLC building will be closed on Friday, May 3, 2013, due to an off-site staff meeting.

Student Spotlight: Kani Koita and Moise Massena
Enjoy Learning and Speaking English

Studentsofthe MonthKaniandMoise


DCLC English Language Learners Kani Koita of Mali (left) and Moise Massena of Haiti (right) are classmates from different countries who are dedicated to achieving similar goals. They both study with Volunteer ESL Tutor Linda Berkowitz (center) twice a week in the hopes of becoming fluent in English and of one day becoming U.S. citizens.

Both students have many family responsibilities and part-time jobs, yet they come faithfully to class and find time in their everyday lives to practice their English whenever possible. They also embrace Linda’s interactive style of teaching, which often includes props and games.

Linda speaks highly of the students’ positive attitudes and enthusiasm for learning. She praises their efforts to learn about their adopted country, saying, “Even with their limited English, they watched part of the presidential debates and spoke excitedly about the election.”

For their dedication and efforts, Kani and Moise are DCLC’s February Students of the Month. Congratulations, Kani and Moise! For more inspirational stories by and about DCLC’s adult learners, visit our Student Showcase and our Student of the Month feature.

Free GED, ESL, Basic Literacy Services for Adults

Adults interested in GED preparation, English as a Second Language (ESL), or Basic Literacy instruction or tutoring should contact DCLC at 610.876.4811 to learn about the intake process. New students will be enrolled in orientation sessions throughout 2013. Services available include classes, small-group instruction, and one-on-one tutoring at various Delaware County locations. Read more ….


Free Tutor Training
Available for New Volunteers

Free training for new volunteers who will tutor in reading (also called Adult Basic Education, or ABE), English as a Second Language (ESL), or math is offered throughout the year. The next Tutor Training sessions will be held during the summer of 2013. The training schedule for the next Program Year should be available in early June.

Anyone interested is encouraged to submit an application.

Call Susan at 610.876.4811 to discuss volunteer opportunities and the application process, or read more about how to become a volunteer tutor.

“One Book...One Literacy Council”
Launches Wed. May 1 with
People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks

The DCLC Book Discussion Group has been meeting since 2008. Starting Wednesday, May 1, 2013, the format will change to “One Book...One Literacy Council.” Each month, interested tutors and their invited friends will be able to borrow a copy of a selected title (courtesy of the Delaware County Library System) and take it home to read.

Members of the general public may participate by procuring the book on their own (individual copies may be available through the public libraries).

Participants can then post their reactions to the book on our blog or attend the next meeting (1st of every month, unless otherwise noted) to discuss it. Borrowed books must be returned to the Literacy Council offices (2217 Providence Avenue, Chester PA 19013) during business hours by the 4th of each month.

May's selection is People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks. We will meet Wednesday, May 1, 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., to distribute the book and choose the June book. Refreshments will be provided.

The “One Book...One Literacy Council” group reads books of mutual interest and meets regularly to discuss them. All are welcome. No RSVP is required.

To learn which books have been discussed previously by the group, read our list of past books.

 May's Selection:
 People of the Book
by Geraldine Brooks