Bonita Springs’ Nonprofit Teaches English to Those In Need

Josue Hernandez, a native of Mexico, knew that he had to master his English language skills to continue to advance in the United States, according to this Naples Daily News article.

Thankfully, Hernandez knew of a place that could help him.

“It’s a good school because it can help a lot of people, from different counties (with) different histories,” said Hernandez, 30, who emigrated from Mexico City about 10 years ago.

For 25 years the Literacy Council Gulf Coast, a non-profit organization, has been working to ensure that everyone in Southwest Florida has the chance to learn how to speak and read English while acquiring the literacy skills necessary to improve their quality of life.

“We are very proud of the fact that we have been able to offer services in the community for 25 years and we are grateful for the support of the community,” said Susan Acuna, president and CEO of the Literacy Council Gulf Coast.

Two months ago, Hernandez got his General Education Development (GED). And he will start attending ITEC in August. He owes that accomplishment to the Literacy Council Gulf Coast.

“I’ve changed my life,” Hernandez said.

About the Literacy Council Gulf Coast

Located at the heart of Bonita Springs, on the 26000 block of Old 41 Road, the Literacy Council has shared sites and schools in Bonita Springs, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres and LaBelle, where it offers programs in basic literacy, English as a Second Language (ESL), U.S. Citizenship and G.E.D. preparation.

In 2012-2013, the council’s 800 volunteers have served more than 3,300 students from 41 different countries.

During a beginner’s group class, seven attendees listened attentively to Linda Stather, a volunteer tutor for about seven years, as she taught them a course about how to get to a store.

Stather showed picture flash cards, as attendees responded by saying the word in English aloud.

“Make sure you say station, not estación,” said Stather, a retired high school Spanish teacher of Bonita Springs, while holding a picture of a gas station.

Among the beginner students enthusiastically responding to the questions sat Isabel Perez.

Perez, 58, who emigrated from Cuba to North Naples one year ago, said ever since she started attending courses at the council’s center in Bonita Springs she feels much better and is able to communicate with people.

“I’ve learned a lot here. This school is really good,” she said in Spanish. “Everyone cares about educating us, so that we can advance in our English.”

Within seconds, children, such as three-year-old Jazlean Dutan, whose parents are natives of Ecuador, starts identifying the colored pictures of the animals and saying what it is in English.

Unfortunately, Literacy Council Gulf Coast receives no government funding. But its sources of funding include the United Way, individual donations, grants and foundations, according to the article.

“We look forward to providing services for those in need of English language for many years to come,” said Acuna.