Ivan Arias
When Ivan Arias was a schoolboy in his native Ecuador, English class was not his favorite subject. Even after enduring six full years of instruction, Ivan came away feeling he had learned nothing of what his teachers had been trying to teach him.
When Ivan came to this country about four years ago he took a factory job, where, he hoped, no one would notice his weak language skills. This was a low period in Ivan's life. Not being able to express his feelings to other people for several years left him feeling depressed.
"I think part of us is lost" when we cannot communicate, Ivan says.
Then one day Ivan's sister told him about an adult literacy program. She persuaded him to sign up at the public library for free tutoring by Literacy Volunteers of Greater Waterbury, an accredited affiliate of ProLiteracy Worldwide.
Improving his English skills has made a big difference in Ivan's life. For example, when he goes to work now he feels more comfortable chatting with co-workers, while before he would rarely speak. He was even brave enough to speak in public at an immigration conference.
Learning English has boosted Ivan's self-confidence so much that he has begun to give back to his fellow students. He has organized a lending library in the Waterbury office. He also volunteers his time to help Vanessa Vowe, the program director, make outreach telephone calls to Spanish-speaking adults.
Ivan, 27, made a big impression on Karen Kipfer, the executive director of Literacy Volunteers of Greater Waterbury, when he started a student advisory council about two years ago. One of the first things the council did was hold a volunteer appreciation breakfast. More than 60 people attended, including students who shared stories of how their tutors helped them. Students wouldn't allow tutors to do any of the work related to the breakfast.
"We tried to help out in the kitchen and we were shooed away," Kipfer recalls.
Today, Ivan would like to continue climbing the learning curve by taking classes at his local community college. He's particularly interested in earning a certificate in electrical engineering or a similar technical field. And, he's looking forward to continuing to receive tutoring in English.
"I like learning English now," Ivan says. "That's a big difference from when I was 13 or 14 . . . I have a lot of hope now. This program is going to help me improve my life."
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