This year St. John’s is opening its doors for adults who want to take advantage of the free Adult Literacy classes sponsored by the Committee for Latin American and Caribbean Studies (CLASC).
Dr. Alina Camacho-Gingerich, chair of CLASC and professor of Languages and Literature, received a grant from the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development that she used towards creating the free classes and workshops.
The Adult Literacy classes started this January and will continue through June 30. They take place Monday through Thursday nights, from 6 p.m. to 9:10 p.m. and Sat. mornings from 9:30 a.m. to 12:40 p.m. in Marillac room 106.
The classes are offered in a variety of subjects such as English, math, social studies, science, computer technology, and GED Preparatory classes. All the materials necessary for each area of study are provided by the University.
“It’s a great idea,” said Ioana Donose, a senior education major. “My family is from Romania and classes like these would have been very helpful when we moved to America 10 years ago. My parents would have been able to learn the language and a lot of other useful information for free.”
Katherine McGee, a junior speech pathology major, agrees.
“It’s a much needed opportunity for the thousands of immigrants in this city to become acquainted with the English language.
“If they take advantage of the free classes there won’t be such a large language barrier between me and half the people I come in contact with in New York.”
