Literacy Center to Resume Tutoring, Citizenship Classes in September
August 13, 2020
AURORA—After a hiatus since March due to the pandemic, Aurora's nonprofit Dominican Literacy Center will resume English tutoring and citizenship classes in September.
Sister Kathleen Ryan, OP, center director, said new tutoring students have been accepted since Aug. 3, at their office at 260 Vermont St. in Aurora.
Women interested in becoming tutoring students may call the center at 630-898-4636 to register for a waiting list and an English proficiency test.
Sister Kathleen said, “Our plan is to start classes on Sept. 10.”
Students who were scheduled to graduate in May will be offered another semester to attend.
“Many of the women who come to our center to learn to read, write and speak English are doing essential work,” she said. “They are cleaning hospitals and nursing homes, assembling and packing medical supplies for hospitals and bagging groceries.
“Many are mothers who are helping their children with online schoolwork."
Citizenship classes will begin on Sept. 13. New students may register, but preference will be given to students whose classes were interrupted in March. The class is limited to 20 students.
"Everyone in the building will wear masks, and extra masks and gloves will be available,” Sister Kathleen said.
Group gatherings will be eliminated. Hand sanitizer will be available in every room. Tutoring rooms have been sanitized and will be resanitized before use by others.
"Tutors and students will be encouraged to bring their own pens and pencils. All kitchen cups and spoons are disposable after one use. It is our hope that these simple but important practices will allow our students and tutors to learn together in a safe and secure environment,” Sister Kathleen said.
On the grounds of St. Therese Church in Aurora, the center has grown from five students and five tutors to 200 students from 16 countries taught by 200 dedicated volunteer tutors annually.
The DLC is a member of the Greater Aurora Area Literacy Coalition, which includes the Aurora Public Library, Waubonsee Community College, World Relief, Family Focus, Hesed House and other members. The center collaborates with the coalition, informing clients about the services of the agencies, as well as Mutual Ground domestic violence shelter, Visiting Nurses Association and Family Counseling Services.
Info: 630-898-4636, e-mail Kathleenmryan@sbcglobal.net, or visit dominicanliteracycenter.org for more information.
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