Our Programs
ESOL - English for Speakers of Other Languages. Registration on Mondays and Thursdays.
Basic English - Improve reading and writing skills. Take lessons in the day or evening. Call Dawn: 908-757-1111 ext. 122.
GED Preparation Course - Free GED test preparation classes. This is a 10-week program and classes are in the evening Monday - Thursday from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. Come to one or more evenings each week. Advance registration is required. For more information, call Dawn: 908-757-1111 ext. 122.
U.S. Citizenship Preparation - Conducted by Steve Kilduff, this class prepares students for their upcoming interview and citizenship test. Classes are held on Mondays.
Basic Math - Improve math skills one-on-one in small group lessons. Take lessons in the day or evening. Call Dawn: 908-757-1111 ext. 122.
Computer Classes in Spanish - are offered when there is sufficient interest. Contact the office for more information.
Who Are Our Students?
Our students are men and women, most of whom work and have families. Many are U.S. citizens who attended local schools. Others have come to our country to achieve the American dream. Our clients have come from: Barbados, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Gambia, Ghana, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Nicaragua,Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico, Senegal, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, Trinidad and Uruguay. Some of our ESOL students have higher-level education and degrees from their homeland, but lack the English skills necessary to obtain a position in their area of academic training.
What Have Our Students Accomplished?
Ours is a student-centered program. Adult students determine their long-term goals, which are translated to literacy goals that can be attained over time. Most students continue in our program and achieve their long-term goals, as well as more immediate goals, which they decide upon along the way. One adult student felt confident enough to move out on her own and begin a new life.
Some common accomplishments include:
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Obtaining a New Jersey Drivers License
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Obtaining U.S. citizenship
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Improved written and verbal communication skills
Who Teaches Our Students?
2012 Tutor Training Workshop Information
Our adult students are taught by Tutor Volunteers. These are men and women of all ages, backgrounds and academic levels, who receive training from certified master trainers. Literacy Volunteers of the Plainfield Public Library provides this training and materials at no charge.
Our tutors come to us with a strong desire to make a difference in someone else's life, and make long-term commitments to our program. To teach ESOL, it is not necessary to be able to speak another language.
You will learn the skills necessary to become a proficient tutor as part of our free tutor training workshops. Trained and certified literacy tutors are always needed.
In 2008 the Plainfield program, 298 adult learners were helped by over 100 volunteer tutors. 158 prospective learners still remain on our waiting list, hoping to be matched with a tutor. To become a volunteer please contact Susan at 908-755-7998 or email literacy@plfdpl.info.
