Tuesday, March 8, 2005

English -- and more

By William Gillis
Staff writer

METHUEN -- When her infant was diagnosed with a genetic disorder, the doctor prescribed a trip to the United States for Rima Wazen's baby.

Wazen was living in Lebanon and doctors there couldn't properly treat little Elie or give him the physical and language therapy he needed.

So in November 2003, she moved to Methuen. She knew only a few words of English and had to bring a translator along to the doctor's office to communicate what ailed her son.

Today, Wazen is able to tell Elie's doctor in English how her son is feeling.

"The doctor was surprised," Wazen said. "He said, 'Your English has improved!'"

So has Elie's.

Their English has improved thanks to the Methuen Even Start Family Literacy Program, a federally funded program sponsored by the Greater Lawrence Community Action Council.

It's a program that teaches English skills to both child and parent, said Emily Hoffman, coordinator of Methuen Even Start. She said it helps children with their own English skills in the short term, but by teaching their parents as well, it helps the youngsters over the long term.

Better English skills mean parents can help their children with educational development, and can also lead to better jobs and a better quality of life for the family, Hoffman said.

Even Start is housed in the Merrimack Valley YMCA's branch on Haverhill Street in Methuen. Ten families are participating, although the program can accommodate 17 to 20 families.

The families are from a diverse array of countries, including Turkey, Lebanon, Guatemala, El Salvador and the Dominican Republic.

Four days a week, children ranging in age from 2 to 5 spend their mornings in an early education class. On one recent day, a well-behaved group of 11 children listened to their teachers read a book about birthdays. They then recited the "Pledge of Allegiance" and sang along with "The Star-Spangled Banner."

Upstairs, parents spend two mornings a week learning English skills. They also learn about American culture, citizenship and local resources. Despite their different backgrounds, Hoffman said the group gets along because they are all mothers who want their children to succeed.

"They come together even though they don't speak the same language. ... It's very moving to see that," she said.

Belkis Okyar and her son, Alp, 5, natives of Turkey, have participated since September. Okyar said she appreciates the English instruction as well as what they learn about American culture, and how things such bus and school lunch schedules work.

"It's not just learning English," she said. "We learn a lot of things."

Every Wednesday, the children and parents get together to work on English-building activities that they can also do at home.

Hoffman said the program actually saves taxpayers money because teaching the skills the children need now means they will not need extra help later when they enter the public school system. She said all the mothers participating in the program are married and have husbands who are working, and only one participant receives welfare assistance.

Wazen said Elie's English skills have improved considerably since he began Even Start.

"My son corrects me!" she said.

Wazen said she is also happy with her own progress. When she learns something new at Even Start, she teaches her husband the same skill in the evening.

Wazen's husband works at a bakery, and money is tight because of Elie's medical bills.

"I'm thinking only for my son," she said. "Because money is not everything."