LA JARA, Colo. (Mennonite Mission Network) – Jose Raya was just 13 years old when he came from Mexico to work in California’s fields. His two years of schooling before then were barely a beginning, and because he had to work, he didn’t have an opportunity to finish his education.
As an adult he’s finally getting a chance to achieve one of his goals: “I want to speak and write more English.”
He attends ESL (English as a Second Language) classes at United Church of La Jara’s La Alba Nueva (New Dawn) Education Center, which focuses on teaching English and computer literacy. Mennonite Voluntary Service participant Kristen Abrahams spends two nights each week teaching the classes. Fellow MVSer Rich Landes also volunteers at the center, coaching Raya on writing skills. Through these courses, Raya has the chance to interact with a variety of English speakers.
Now retired, Landes and his wife Jan are using expertise they acquired during their careers as well as learning new things to serve the community through the education center at United Church of La Jara, a multi-denominational congregation with which local Mennonites and the MVS unit are affiliated..
Jan Landes put her years of experience as a librarian and teacher to work in helping develop the education program, which is designed to involve the broader La Jara community.
“It is our hope that these personal relationships will open the door for learners to also receive other needed resources, both physical and spiritual,” Jan Landes said. For Raya, the best part of ESL classes is the chance to practice speaking English.
Rich Landes has helped local business owners learn new software, teaches some basic classes in Microsoft Windows, Word and Excel and maintains a computer lab where students can use language teaching tools to improve their English skills. He also gets to know students through one-on-one tutoring.
“One of my biggest joys has been to see students with little or no exposure to computers have the opportunity to learn how to use one,” Rich Landes said.
Like Raya, many students have to overcome obstacles like family and work obligations and previous academic disappointments in order to get to class. Jan Landes said knowing the effort it takes makes their accomplishments all the more rewarding to see.
Rich and Jan Landes are members of Pilgrims Mennonite Church, Akron, Pa. Abrahams is a member of First Mennonite Church in Newton, Kan.
