World Relief helps remove language barriers

Inside an Aurora church basement, about 20 children sat on the floor and sang “Old MacDonald Had a Farm.”

The scene resembled a preschool classroom, except for one thing: Their mothers were sitting beside them, singing along.

They were committing each word to memory in hopes of one day being able to help with their children’s homework, converse with their children’s teachers or find jobs that could uplift their children’s lives.

But first, they need to learn English—a language that often leaves them frustrated and insecure.

“You’re ashamed you’re not saying it right,” said Angelica Velazquez, 33, a Mexican immigrant who wants to help her 8-year-old daughter with her schoolwork.

It’s a common feeling among the adults trying to learn English alongside their children in World Relief’s family literacy program, said Lucia Armenta, who teaches the program Friday mornings in Iglesia Bautista Emanuel church in Aurora.

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World Relief helps remove language barriers — chicagotribune.com.