Scene Around Town: Washtenaw Literacy has served more than 13,000 learners since 1971

Photo courtesy of Washtenaw Literacy

Have you ever wondered, as you passed by a meeting room in one of the Ann Arbor branch libraries, “Who are those people in there and what are they doing?"

The men and women are of varied ethnic backgrounds and they are sitting at several small tables. You may just be curious at the sight or you may notice how they all seem to talking enthusiastically at the same time and many of them are laughing as well.

You might be observing an ESL conversation session, facilitated by Washtenaw Literacy, a nonprofit organization that offers free tutoring for adults in Washtenaw County who want to improve their reading, writing or facility with the English language. On any given day or evening of the week, these sessions are being held around town, in libraries, churches, schools and community centers.

Founded in 1971, Washtenaw Literacy has tutored more than 13,000 learners and involved more than 6,000 volunteer tutors. Tutors work with learners either one to one, or in groups.

Who are the learners? He’s the young father who has been working to overcome his difficulty reading and wants to be able to understand forms and instructions without asking for help. She’s the wife whose husband is attending a local university or who’s been transferred here from another country by his company. He’s a worker whose employer is invested in improving his communication skills. She’s a student who wants to further her education and needs assistance completing the English language proficiency test.

Why do they come? Imagine not being confident approaching anyone, talking to a store clerk, asking questions or explaining problems because you fear that people won’t understand you. As a result, you stay at home, feeling isolated and unable to even make friends. If they take the step to attend a session, these newcomers will experience the opportunity to make friends and to improve their English in a comfortable environment.

The Washtenaw Literacy tutors can help them to reach their personal goals as well as become more productive citizens in their community.

Why do the tutors volunteer to teach? Like all volunteers, they are caring and want to contribute in some supportive way; many of them come from professions where they taught in some capacity and want to continue to satisfy that passion. They are rewarded in several ways; they witness as learners gain self-confidence with their improved language skills and proudly share their personal successes.

I’m pleased to say I have tutored for Washtenaw Literacy for more than a year, and one of my own rewards came when I celebrated with a man who was accepted to a post graduate program after we worked hard for months to improve his score on the test he needed to pass for admission to the school. If you think you may be interested in becoming a tutor, learn more about their informational session at washtenawliteracy.org.

So, the next time you pass by that enthusiastic group in the library, you’ll know you’re witnessing the exchange of knowledge, culture and friendship in action!

If there’s anything you’ve “scene” around town and wondered about, let me know and I’ll try to check it out.

Pat Kabat is a longtime resident of Ann Arbor. Recently retired, she now enjoys more time with family and grandchildren. She also volunteers as a tutor with Washtenaw Literacy and as an usher at U-M Productions and the Michigan Theater. Pat hopes to use her curiosity of scenes around town to investigate and share with the community. Read previous Scene Around Town articles here.