I am very pleased to work with my student Joe (not his real name) in the College and University Preparatory Program (Upgrading) at the Lethbridge Community College Taber Campus. Joe started in our program last year, and is taking courses in reading, writing, math and computers. Joe, whose first language is Low German, grew up on a Mennonite colony in Mexico. In his community, education was not important because they did not need it to work on their farms. As a result, although Joe has many skills, he does not have much formal education.

Joe moved to Canada about five years ago. He worked on a farm until a back injury forced him to quit. He now wants to learn enough reading and writing so that he can train as a parts technician.

Joe uses the SARAW program to help him pronounce new words. Because English is his second language, he often finds words that are new to him. He enjoys being able to work with the SARAW program to help him pronounce new words. He also uses it to help him with his spelling and writing.

Joe has been a model student. He shows a great desire to learn, and has very good work habits. Joe is also involved in many advisory committees that help promote learning opportunities in our community. He shows others that they can, too, go back to school to learn to read and write.

Connie Gross
Lead Instructor
Lethbridge Community College
Taber Campus, Alberta