Bluffton Self Help is here to help neighbors connect with resources, receive basic needs, food, clothing, emergency financial assistance, earn an education, develop skills, gain employment, or anything in between on Lowcountry neighbors’ personal paths to success – and we are there every step of the way. Sometimes that means helping a family through a difficult time, other times it means we are there for the long haul – a year, maybe two or three. Success does not happen overnight, nor is it usually a straight and smooth path.
One of our Learning and Literacy Center coordinators, Carmen, explains how our neighbors enrolled in our education program are overcoming hurdles and building a brighter future for their families.
Neighbors who come to Bluffton Self Help requesting assistance provided through our basic need’s program can receive help rather quickly. Thanks to our generous donors, it’s usually a matter of days or a couple of weeks before Bluffton Self Help can provide relief to those who need it. The food, diapers, funds for emergency financial assistance, or clothes we distribute are collected, stored, and ready to share once someone requests them.
However, when neighbors come to Bluffton Self Help through our education and career development programs, they are setting a long-term goal. Learning a second language, obtaining citizenship, or earning a GED is no easy task they can complete in just a few days or weeks. It is a process that will require effort, perseverance, energy, time investment, dedication, and patience. Joining our education program is something that looks more like running a marathon, not a sprint.
Once a student joins our ESL, GED, Adult Basic Education, or citizenship classes, they must be willing to put in the work. Improvement in literacy or other skills won’t be something that happens during their first week. Patience in seeing results is key and necessary for everyone: from our donors to education staff and volunteers, and of course, students. But that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate the small wins along the way; when a mother can advocate for her child at school without an interpreter; when someone passes a GED subject test; when a neighbor learns to send their first email; or the first day of a new job.
As with the rest of our programs and services, this is a group effort, and everyone must trust the process. We are so proud of the progress we have seen in our students during the 2022-2023 Academic Year. Bluffton Self Help will continue to empower and walk alongside them during the new 2023-2024 Year.
In May, the Learning and Literacy Centers completed their first academic year, May 2022 to May 2023. During this year, the GED program was modified, and the focus shifted from learning content to test-taking strategies and reading comprehension. The ESL program was re-structured and designed to focus on a single curriculum. Additionally, a new curriculum for the Citizenship program was introduced. New online learning software was incorporated for students to learn digital literacy skills and ESL, and a testing program to help clients earn their National Career Readiness certification.
We’re happy to report that in this academic year, six students earned their GED, and a total of 36 GED subject tests were passed (to receive their GED, students must pass four subject tests). Throughout the year, GED results were seen and celebrated immediately.
Our ESL program requires more time and patience. But the wait was worth it and the BSH team could not be happier 42% of all ESL students moved up a level, with five students moving up two levels.
The results above prove that the curriculum changes, enhanced tutor training, and new policies were effective. We will continue to shift and grow our programs to match the needs of our neighbors and we look forward to more success in the upcoming year.
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