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YourHub.com \\ Jupiter \\ Stories \\ Education \\ Graduation

EL SOL Honors ESL Graduates

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Contributed by: Mike Richmond on 4/2/2008

Anyone who thinks immigrants don't want to learn our language might have had second thoughts had they attended the recent graduation of students in the Wnter English as a Second Language program at Jupiter's El Sol Neighborhood Resource Center.

There were many happy faces and much applause as the 102 adults from countries such as Mexico, Guatemala and other Central American countries received their diplomas and certificates at the graduation ceremony Friday, March 28. Eighty persons were awarded diplomas for completing the English program and 22 others whio attended the majority of the classes but were unable to complete the testing requirements, were given certificates of attendance.

The students included Jesus Alberto Perez Cholotio from Guatemala who said, "I want to learn English so I can succeed in the United States." Eileen Harden, ESL Cooordinator for El Sol, praised the graduates for their determination and tenacity in learning English. "They work very hard at their jobs (during the day) yet are very motivated to come and learn English," she said of the classes that were held three evenings a week for nine weeks.

The Winter ESL program is the third ESL series to be conducted at EL SOl since the School District of Palm Beach County incorporated the classes into its Adult and Community Education program. Ms. Claire Valier,ESOL Coordinator for the School District, assisted in awarding of diplomas and certificates.

The graduation program also included raffling of two bicycles, a computer and a television to four lucky students. In addition to the night-time ESL classes. EL Sol also offers day-time English classes and computer lab classes. Approximately 235 students attended day-time English classes durng March and another 540 students attended computer lab programs. The classes are free and open to all Jupiter residents.

The non-profit El Sol Center opened in September of 2006 and operates a job referral program that matches day laborers with employers to fill jobs. A number of ancillary programs such as computer and job training classes, parenting workshops and other programs intended to help fully integrate immigrants and other new residents into the community are also offered. For information about El Sol services or volunteering call 745-9860.

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