On June 17, the Vocational English as a Second Language Program (VESL) held a graduation for sixteen Cal Works participants that completed the two month program. The topics that were taught included: Food Service, Production, and Home Health. The graduates earned a certificate of completion which was celebrated by a festive potluck.
One of the graduates never attended school before and was illiterate in reading and writing. As she completed the class, she learned far more than what she had expected and was excited. Two other graduates initially said that they were not going to come back after the first day because they didn’t think the class was appropriate for them and made fun of the class, but did return and experienced it as something new and different. They along with the others, completed the class and earned their certificates. The teacher and their classmates still laugh and joke about what was said.
The VESL classes have opened up a door for those who think that there is nothing beyond what they can’t already reach, and now they are striving in obtaining a job with their certificate held high in their hands. They now know and understand how important education is even though some were reluctant and struggled in the beginning.
Paula Cha, Employment Program Director