ESL school adds politics to lessons
What is a caucus? Why is the presidential election called a race? What’s so important about Iowa, anyway?
These questions and more are the focus of presentations given this month by students at the Barton School, 318 S. Cedar St., an adult ESL and literacy program at First Presbyterian Church. The school provides one-on-one tutoring for adult immigrants, providing them with language skills, conversation, citizenship preparation and many other skills necessary to thrive in their new homeland. Currently, the school serves close to 40 students from more than 12 different countries.
Jian Ou from China will be voting in the upcoming presidential election for the first time since becoming an American citizen last year. “I am very excited to vote. Other countries’ people do not have the right to choose a leader,” he explained.
Ou’s uncle owns China South restaurant, where Ou works as a chef. Ou came to the U.S. in 2000 for a better future for his family.
“It is hard to say who I will choose for president, who will make good decisions for the country and for the people,” he said.
Ou learns about the candidates from watching television, including the Chinese cable news coverage of the American election. When asked what is the best thing about living in the U.S., Ou said, “When you work hard, there is lots of opportunity to be successful.”
Shizuko Shiasako from Japan gave her presentation on the history of voting in the U.S. She explained the various amendments to the Constitution that affected voting rights. With a big smile on her face and a fist held high in the air, she proudly explained how the 19th Amendment gave women the right to vote.
Yu Chuan Ho from Taiwan is preparing for the U.S. citizenship test with the help of her teacher, Loni Reynolds. “I’m afraid I might forget the answers when I get nervous. Speaking is the hardest part for me,” she said. “I think it is important for everyone to learn English. It makes me feel good. The one-to-one teaching at Barton School is very good,” she explained.
Mildred Scheel, director of the Barton School, said that this is probably one of the most dedicated groups of students the school has had. “They are genuinely interested in government and civic affairs. We think they will make wonderful citizens,” she said.
The Barton School is celebrating its 39th anniversary this year, an impressive feat for an all-volunteer organization. There are more than 20 students on the waiting list, and new teachers and visitors are always welcome.