Point Reyes Light - September 30, 1999

English literacy boosts life for Latinos

Point Reyes resident Jesús Martinez jokes that English doesn't make any sense: it sounds one way, but is written another. Martinez, who is a musician, finds the clash irritating.

However, Martinez said he's determined to master the language, even as he works an impressively full schedule of daytime jobs. "I'd like to be able to communicate better with people," he said with a smile. "I got frustrated with people telling me, 'I don't understand what you're saying,' all the time."

For folks learning English as a second language, getting a handle on its grammar can be tough. But literacy lets them gain more control over their lives, said Julie Jones, coordinator of the West Marin office of the Marin Literacy Program.

Jones coordinates a tutorial program for people who want to improve their reading, writing, and speaking of English. The program is friendly, flexible, and student-centered, she said. "The student is in the driver's seat, and the tutor has the roadmap to help them get where they want to go."

Jones' efforts, and those of her colleagues around the county, will be honored during Marin Literacy Week, Sept. 27 through Oct. 3.

For most people, literacy means mobility, Jones said. "Our program is oriented towards the students' goals. Some want to be able to get a better job, get a driver's license, do a work-related exam, or become a US citizen. One of the biggest motivators is when the students' kids enter school they really want be able to help their kids."

Martinez said his English lessons helped him pass the written part of his citizenship exam; he's working hard now on improving his speech so he can pass the oral section.

Besides wanting to become fluent himself, Martinez said he wanted to help his kids César, 17, Omar, 13, and Briana, 3. "The older ones read better than I, so I don't need to read to them," he said, laughing. "But I read to the little one."

Reading to kids is a big deal, Jones said. "One of the single most important things regarding literacy is being read to as a child. Actually, there's a lot more going on [beyond storytelling] when kids watch their parents read." Ideally, she said, language-learning should be a family experience.

To boost this, the Literacy Program offers free children's books every month to each student with a child five years old or younger. In addition, a student's older kids can also receive free books, Jones said. "These are new, quality books - some English, some bilingual - for the kids to keep. We want to build up a library of books at the children's homes, so that they grow up loving books."

Students are also welcome to peruse a variety of reference books and videos at the Freitas Center in Olema, beside Sacred Heart Catholic Church, where the Literacy Program office is located.

Founded a decade ago, the West Marin office is a branch of a countywide literacy program, which is supported by the Marin County Free Library and the San Rafael Public Library.

For now, Jones said, all 43 students in her program are Latino. "But we want to reach even those people who are native English speakers, who want to improve their reading and writing, or who just want extra help."

Because students often feel uncomfortable revealing that they need help with reading or writing, the Literacy Program keeps their names confidential, she said.

"They're in a fragile situation - sometimes they don't want their bosses at work to know. So all records are kept confidential, so that the student can be perfectly relaxed. What goes on is between the student and the tutor. The student chooses whether or not he wants to talk about it outside."

Martinez said he has no problem talking about his tutorials, because they're helpful and fun. Plus, like he, his tutor is a musician.

Inverness Park resident Scott Lawrence, who plays piano with a Bay Area band called Swing Session, has been meeting with Martinez once a week for the past six months.

"You wonder at first if you're really doing any good - if you're ever helping," Lawrence said. "But the other day, Jesús read something to me, and I really saw a contrast of where he was at the beginning."

Besides his excitement at seeing Martinez progress, Lawrence said he's discovered that tutoring touches a chord with him. "I found myself so animated the other day in one of the classrooms at the Freitas Center. I was dancing, drawing on the chalkboard, making sweeping gestures. Jesús and I both started laughing... I think that a lot of people would enjoy tutoring. I'd recommend it."

What about the time commitment? "At first I thought it would be difficult," Lawrence said, explaining that he spends most of his time outside of West Marin. He performs regularly in various spots around San Francisco, including the Top of the Mark on Nob Hill and the HiBall on Broadway.

"But I did have some extra time and I wanted to give something back," he continued. "A little volunteerism never hurt anybody."

Plus, he said, he was inspired by Martinez' dedication. "I respect how hard he works. He has very little time because he's always working two or three jobs, but he does devote time for homework. I respect him as a human being."

Indeed, Martinez has a busy schedule. Besides working on the H Ranch where he lives, he works at the Bovine Bakery in Point Reyes Station, and juggles several other jobs. He says he rarely finds time to play music.

He plays the organ, and has performed with his family members as The Martinez Brothers at the Dance Palace. "We play a little bit of everything - some romantic, and a little bit of rock," he said.

Has he ever performed with his tutor? "No, we've never played together," he said. "But it would be great."

Like other tutors and students in the Literacy Program, Lawrence and Martinez have made a one-year commitment to their weekly lessons. They can continue on for years if they wish.

Becoming a tutor was relatively easy, Lawrence explained. He attended two all-day training sessions, where he learned how to teach English as a Second Language. He didn't have to know a word of Spanish to tutor in West Marin.

Jones said that she has 25 active tutors in her program now, but needs about 20 more to match her growing list of students.

Tutor candidates must be at least 18 years old, with "altruistic" tendencies, she said. That's pretty much it.

"In general, I'd say that our tutors are a disparate group of people from different backgrounds who share a love of reading, and want to share this love with other people," she said.

Tutor-training sessions will be offered on October 16 and 23. Those interested should call Jones at 663-1849 before enrolling in the program.

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