Citizenship program semester comes to an end and was a big success!

CWS’ new citizenship program semester came to an end this month and was a big success, with over 50 students enrolled and 5 students becoming citizenship in the past three months! Thank you to everyone who supported this program, especially our students and volunteers. Below are quotes from some of our volunteer tutors this semester, as well as a few photos of the classes from the semester.

Corinne Jones – “It has been a fantastic experience having the opportunity to meet and work with such an inspiring group.”

Katia Janecek – “This tutoring/teaching of the citizenship classes has been the greatest thing for me!  The students are absolutely wonderful, they want to learn, they keep trying their new language and helping one another.  For some, English is the first language that they have ever been taught to read and write in.  It is wonderful to be so influential in their development as future U.S. citizens.  We, as a nation, have “lucked out” on getting these fine individuals.”

Krishna – “I had a great experience tutoring these students that needed help passing the citizenship exam. They were dedicated and motivated to do well. I enjoyed teaching them”

Josh Faircloth – “I have greatly enjoyed participating with the Church World Service citizenship classes as a tutor. Working with people each week who have traveled such a long way and are working hard to become Americans makes me incredibly proud of my country. I feel privileged to be able to get to know them and their stories and help them as much as I can to have a shot at the American Dream”

Cheryl Brooks-Poole – “My volunteer experience with the citizenship classes this semester was very rewarding!  It made me appreciate my own citizenship so much more.  As a previous adult college student who studied different cultures and the barriers each culture group faces in the classroom, I found it refreshing and eye-opening to work in the community.  While I appreciate what my professors taught me, working side-by-side with refugees and other volunteers taught me so much more about different cultures and the barriers they have to contend with on a daily basis.  The tutoring process is definitely a two way learning experience!”

Jennifer Bogacki  – “I have found tutoring at CWS to be very satisfying.  I really have enjoyed working with refugees and immigrants and hearing about their stories and places of origin.  It is humbling to be able to assist the students in such a life changing endeavor, and it is so wonderful to get the news when they pass the naturalization test!”

Saye Zarwolo – “It was a nice time being part of the class. Every member was very happy to learn something new about America. They were excited about becoming citizens to have the chance for freedom where they can work hard to educate their children for a better future. Some told me they want their citizenship to help be able to bring their relatives to the US who they haven’t seen for years. They are happy to also learn English to prepare them for the job markets”

Heith Picklesimer  - “Tutoring for the citizenship class has given me a new perspective on the citizenship process. The students are so eager to learn and desire to be US citizens. I couldn’t help but fall in love with teaching these students!”