Adult Education and Family Literacy (AEFL) Week is celebrated each fall and highlights the achievements of students whose lives have been transformed through adult education programs. AEFL week honors students’ dedication and success, raising awareness about the importance of lifelong learning within local communities.
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| Patience Deah has been working long hours at jobs in housekeeping, manufacturing, and cooking to provide for her family. She currently works as a dietician at a nursing home and dreams of expanding her abilities in the service industry, becoming a chef at a high-end restaurant with the help of Windham Raymond Adult Education. SUBMITTED PHOTO |
Deah was born in Liberia, West Africa until the Civil War broke out in 1989. The war lasted nine years. It was during this time that Deah and her family became refugees in Guinea-Conakry, also in West Africa. Deah lived at the camp for 11 years.
“Patience was in the fifth grade when she was removed from her home,” Cathy Giuffre-Renaud, WRAE Adult Basic Education Coordinator said. “Education was not provided to her while living at the camp, so she had a break in her education. She has been living and working in the world with a fifth-grade education for most of her adult life, until recently.”
Deah eventually moved from West Africa to the U.S., making Maine her new home in September 2001. She and her two daughters moved to Windham in 2015, where she started her journey at WRAE the following year.
Upon arrival in Maine, Deah has been working long hours at jobs in housekeeping, manufacturing, and cooking to provide for her family. She currently works as a dietician at a nursing home and dreams of expanding her abilities in the service industry, becoming a chef at a high-end restaurant.
Her one day off a week is spent at WRAE learning the skills needed to attend a culinary school such as the one offered at Southern Maine Community College. Deah shares that the adult education program has improved her ability to contribute and be a more engaging member of society.
“I can now read, communicate better, pay bills online, write emails, help my children with their homework, and can better explain to my doctor about the health of my family,” she said.
What may seem ironic to some is that Deah’s first language is English.
“Although I come from a country that speaks English, we have different dialects and accents and speak much faster than Americans,” Deah said. “I had to learn to slow down while talking so people could understand me.”
The dialects between the two countries are severe enough that Deah is considered a foreign language speaker and takes English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes. She hopes to one day earn her HiSET (high school equivalency tests) so that she can then go to college.
“Patience will soon be tested as a native speaker,” Giuffre-Renaud said. “Together, we are going to keep going until we get there.”
Juggling work, and family commitments with limited time for study along with financial constraints can make continuing education for any adult challenging. WRAE ESOL instructor, Shelley Goad points out that there are additional challenges for immigrants.
“Transportation is always an issue,” she said. “Although some students have a license, most students have to rely on a ride from someone else. Childcare is a problem for mothers who want to come to class. Entering a classroom can make some students nervous. Some have had very little schooling and don't know what to expect.”
Goad explained that the students are tested to be placed in the correct class level so they will be with teachers who can focus on the specific areas they need.
She also pointed out that educated immigrants add to the workforce.
“When immigrants add to the workforce, they add money to the economy, which adds money to the pockets of the people in the community. They also bring new food, new music, and new energy when they bring their families here. They want the same things we do for our families. They want to work and are willing to put in time and effort to make a successful new life.”
Deah, a single mom, wants the life of a chef and she believes she will accomplish this goal with the support of WRAE.
“Adult Ed has been like my second family when I face difficulties and challenges in Maine,” she said, “They have helped me navigate through the challenges of being an immigrant and are preparing me to reach my dream of becoming a chef.” <
“I can now read, communicate better, pay bills online, write emails, help my children with their homework, and can better explain to my doctor about the health of my family,” she said.
What may seem ironic to some is that Deah’s first language is English.
“Although I come from a country that speaks English, we have different dialects and accents and speak much faster than Americans,” Deah said. “I had to learn to slow down while talking so people could understand me.”
The dialects between the two countries are severe enough that Deah is considered a foreign language speaker and takes English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes. She hopes to one day earn her HiSET (high school equivalency tests) so that she can then go to college.
“Patience will soon be tested as a native speaker,” Giuffre-Renaud said. “Together, we are going to keep going until we get there.”
Juggling work, and family commitments with limited time for study along with financial constraints can make continuing education for any adult challenging. WRAE ESOL instructor, Shelley Goad points out that there are additional challenges for immigrants.
“Transportation is always an issue,” she said. “Although some students have a license, most students have to rely on a ride from someone else. Childcare is a problem for mothers who want to come to class. Entering a classroom can make some students nervous. Some have had very little schooling and don't know what to expect.”
Goad explained that the students are tested to be placed in the correct class level so they will be with teachers who can focus on the specific areas they need.
She also pointed out that educated immigrants add to the workforce.
“When immigrants add to the workforce, they add money to the economy, which adds money to the pockets of the people in the community. They also bring new food, new music, and new energy when they bring their families here. They want the same things we do for our families. They want to work and are willing to put in time and effort to make a successful new life.”
Deah, a single mom, wants the life of a chef and she believes she will accomplish this goal with the support of WRAE.
“Adult Ed has been like my second family when I face difficulties and challenges in Maine,” she said, “They have helped me navigate through the challenges of being an immigrant and are preparing me to reach my dream of becoming a chef.” <
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