Rosie’s Place has always been committed to education and helping women learn skills that will enable them to obtain jobs and care for their families. The Women's Education Program at Rosie’s Place presently consists of three core areas: English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, Literacy Tutoring and a GED (high school equivalency test) preparation program. All classes offered by the Women's Education Program are free of charge.
The Women’s Education Center, which occupies a four-story row house adjacent to the main Rosie’s Place facility, provides ample space for classrooms, group work, individual tutoring, computer labs, conversation classes, and a library of books and classroom materials. The new building can accommodate 80 students at a time, bringing total possible enrollment to 240 women per term.
Volunteer teachers are trained by certified staff members to teach ESL classes at different levels, striving to improve the students’ real life communication skills. Classes are kept to a maximum of eight students to maintain a safe, intimate learning environment. Private tutors are also available for students who are unable to attend morning classes or who want additional help. Our goal in teaching English is to enhance self-esteem and promote independence in the lives of women who are often marginalized because they can’t overcome the “language barrier” that prevents them from accessing needed services.
Basic Literacy skills are taught on a one-on-one basis. Students meet with trained volunteers to build reading, writing and often basic math skills. This unique approach allows tutors to customize their lessons specifically for their students. By doing this, the students can move at their own pace while maximizing class time.
The GED preparation program is for women who have not yet earned their high school diploma but have a working ability to read and write. Our GED preparation program consists of two levels taught by experienced teachers. Pre-GED students work on strengthening writing ability, reading comprehension and basic math skills before moving on to the more challenging GED class. For many women, earning their GED can be a life changing experience. Not only can it create new career and educational opportunities and often increase earning abilities, it can also give students a sense of accomplishment and self-esteem that may have eluded them in the past.
Rosie’s Place hopes that these courses will help to broaden the larger community’s view of the strengths and possibilities of poor and homeless women and help the women maximize their full potential. To learn more about classes and enrollment, please call 617-442-9322.
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