In 2005, San Luis Potosi, Mexico had a population of approximately 2,410,414 people. In the years since, it has lost at least seven families to Chickasha, Okla. nearly 1,100 miles away. Maria, Lizbeth, Mayro, Muriana, Matilde, Teresa and Maria Esther all came with their families to this rural community of approximately 16,000. Maria Esther said, “I wanted a better way of life and better opportunities for working and for my family. I wanted to see my family and there are better opportunities for jobs and education here.”

The Chickasha Adult Learning Center, in conjunction with the Oklahoma State Department of Education, is working to provide these students with the communication skills needed to reach their goals by offering English as a Second Language classes to the community. Attending classes two nights a week, each has gained a tremendous amount of knowledge and self-confidence. All of the ladies had very similar reasons for participating in the ESL program.

“I want to learn to speak and write English” said Maria and Teresa.

Beyond the basics of learning the language, Matilde and Lizbeth want to be better prepared to communicate when they go to the doctor, help at their children’s school and use the telephone. Mayro and Muriana said that they too want to improve their English language skills so they can “read schedules and forms, read books to my kids and go to my children’s activities.”

Chickasha Public Schools offers an array of services for the adult learning community. The Chickasha Adult Learning Center houses one of the 36 Adult Education and Literacy programs provided by the Oklahoma State Department of Education. Each center provides different opportunities for adults to continue their education including classes in basic skills improvement in reading and math, GED preparation, Family Literacy, DHS / TANF, Work-Base Education, Oklahoma Parents as Teachers and English-as-a-Second Language. These programs are all funded by grants from the U.S. Department of Education and state matching money and are offered free of charge to all who attend. The Chickasha Adult Learning Center oversees adult learning programs in both Grady and Canadian counties.

These seven ladies are but a few of the many learners the Adult Learning Center has impacted throughout the years. Exceptional instructors, who work diligently to assist each learner with hands on, real life activities, are at the foundation of the ESL program. Four instructors at the two ESL locations have a combined total of 79 years of teaching experience.

Lisa Johnson, Director of the Adult Learning Center said, “ESL classes are not specific to Spanish-speaking individuals. Any learner who does not have English as their primary language is welcome to attend ESL training. Josette, a French native, visiting family in Chickasha, recently attended and made amazing progress while at the center. She’s returned home to France but has promised to return to the ALC when she visits family this coming year.” “We’re here to help regular folks with limited language skills get beyond ‘no comprendo’, ‘Ich verstehe nicht,’ and ‘jag begriper inte,’” said Johnson.

The Chickasha English as a Second Language classes are taught by certified instructors Tammy King and Donna Peach and are offered on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. throughout the regular school year. Angie Humphrey, certified instructor teaches the Family Literacy class which is offered on Wednesday evenings along with the ESL class. This class is of particular interest for parents of small children. Classes meet at the Chickasha Adult Learning Center, 628 W. Kansas. Babysitting is provided free of charge to class participants.

The Mustang ESL classes are offered on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. throughout the regular school year. Certified instructor, Nancy Riley works with our ESL students in Canadian County at the Mustang First Baptist Church.

For more information on any of the Basic Adult Education Programs, please contact Lisa Johnson, Director, Adult Learning Center at 405-222-6562.