[1]

ESL Lottery Defines a Bilingual Future for Immigrants

More Than 500 immigrants Compete for 165 Seats in English Classes

By Eduardo A. de Oliveira

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. - The dollar rate may be low, the economy is down. But the importance of learning English hit an all-time high at Fuller Middle School on Jan. 24, 2008.

There, some 500 immigrants were hoping to win a lottery for free ESL (English as a Second Language) classes.

But only 165 persons, the maximum capacity of the ESL program, would win the lottery.

Since it was established in 1984, Fuller Middle School's ESL Program has helped newcomers and other residents learn the language of the land. The school teaches seven levels of ESL, all at no expense to the students.

The program's reputation grew so rapidly that in 2002, hundreds of immigrants slept overnight on the sidewalk to guarantee a spot for themselves and relatives.

The sight of entire families huddled outside on a frozen winter morning prompted ESL director Christine Taylor-Tybur to make a decision: It's time for a lottery.

"When it [got] to a point that I had to bring them blankets and umbrellas at 3 a.m., I needed to do something," she said.

Since then, an average of 600 candidates have shown up for the ESL lottery twice a year. Many come back year after year, such as construction worker Alexander Manhago, who tried to get in for the sixth time – unsuccessfully – last August.

This year, turnout expectation was relatively low since many Brazilian immigrants have gone back to Brazil. Brazilians are the most numerous of immigrant communities in Greater Boston, according to a 2005 survey by MassINC.

"I don't expect to see fewer people here tonight. From the estimated 20,000 local Brazilian residents, what, 2,000 went back? We still have room to attract the usual 500," said ESL teacher Kevin O'Connor, minutes before the lottery commenced.

Manhango did not give the lottery a shot this time, but Neuza Souza did. As a repeat ESL student at Fuller, Souza had become a familiar face at the school. But in 1998, health conditions forced her to drop out after four semesters.

"I hope I get picked tonight. This is a great school, and I could very much use new words in English," said Souza, who works for a phone-message company out of her home.

In addition to ESL, Fuller Middle School offers preparatory citizenship classes, also available to students by lottery. This year, 80 of 175 persons won the lottery, and all of them eventually will get permanent spots for the school's post-prep citizenship classes.

Hairdresser Marta dos Santos (in photo below) was unable to contain the joy of hearing her name called for ESL classes. Having barely finished the 8th grade in her home country, she knew learning English would be a great opportunity.

"I know people respect you more when you know the language. The police, for instance, treat you better," she said.

Retired Chinese engineer Yng Shong Li, 67, was among the few non-Brazilian candidates picked at the lottery.

"I just want to be able to travel across America and speak with my five American grandchildren," he said through a Chinese translator.

It wasn't this time that Souza was awarded back to school, but she says she won't give up. "Every time I heard them calling a Neuza, I almost jumped out my wheelchair. They called four Neuzas. But I'll be back here in August," she said.

Despite the obvious satisfaction shown on the faces of those whose names were announced, director Taylor-Tybur exhibited the best expression of mission accomplished.

During the 2008 academic year, she will coordinate a 32-class program that empowers over 700 immigrant students every semester.

"We have a million happy-ending stories here. I recommend those who claim undocumented immigrants don't want to assimilate [into] our culture to come and see with their own eyes," she says.

Source: EthnicNewz.org

Copyright 2008 New England Ethnic News, EthnicNewz.org. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the express permission of the source. Contact Newz for more information.

[3]