“We want to change our future!” stated the student speaker for level three of the five ESL Levels moving up or forward at the SSND Educational Center in Woodhaven Queens, New York. Ninety women ages 21 and up have taken “the road less traveled,” stated the Executive Director, Sr. Cathy Feeney, SSND. It’s hard work to learn to read, write, and speak English. Nearly 75 women gathered with faculty, board members and the Ladies of Charity on June 13. They celebrated not only learning English as a second language or High School Equivalency classes but learning to build self confidence and learning the importance of a community of support.
For ten years the Ladies of Charity at St. John’s University have participated in this important educational center in Queens, NY. Ladies of Charity provide professional enrichment for the faculty and special seminars for the students, screening of the students for learning disabilities, and creating special celebrations at Christmas and Graduations. It is our way of “welcoming the stranger” and promoting education as transformative of individuals and communities. Congratulations to these wonderful women!
