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Hispanics are, without dispute, one of the most rapidly growing
minorities in the United States today. In recent years, Athens
and its surrounding areas have experienced tremendous growth
in their Latino populations. Unfortunately, many of these
people do not get the help that they need to assimilate quickly
and easily into America's culture.
The inability to speak English makes school incredibly difficult
for children who move to America from other countries. Local
schools and teachers grapple with the reality that many of
their students may not speak the language. Fortunately, the
residents of Pinewood Estates can come to the Oasis for help.
The mission of the Oasis is to be a place where English and
Spanish speaking cultures can connect and enrich one another.
Nestled among the trailers of Pinewood Estates trailer park
on U.S. Route 29, the acculturation program is run by Sister
Angela Cordero, Sister Marietta Jansen and Sister Margarita
Martin of the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. UGA
support comes from the College of Education, the Office of
International Public Service and Outreach, and the College
of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.
Most of the volunteers are UGA students who tutor the local
children in all subjects that they are studying in school,
including helping the children to conquer the language barrier.
Many of the UGA students get course credit for the experience.
In addition to tutoring children, the Oasis offers "ESL
for Mothers" and "ESL for Adults” to help
the adult members of the community to be more comfortable,
productive citizens in the Athens community.
For more information about the program or volunteering, see
the Web sites above.
Competing in a Global Economy
The University of Georgia is at the forefront of the globalization
movement in higher education with a wealth of opportunities
for international experiences. Our students are flocking to
study-abroad programs, thriving on the challenges inherent in
confronting a new cultural environment. More and more, students
on campus are also making choices that reflect an understanding
of the importance of global awareness—from living in a
residence hall-based language community to starting a radio
program in another language to minoring in a foreign language.
These experiences, whether at home or abroad, influence how
our students perceive the world and their place in it. We’re
producing graduates prepared to be world citizens—well
informed, culturally sensitive and technologically sophisticated.
They’re ready to take on the challenges of our global
society, and they’ll be equally at home whether in the
Peach State or the Republic of Georgia. |
