Today is International Day of Education, a special day observed by the United Nations to address the importance of education. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a global learning disruption, which, according to the UN, has affected the lives of 1.6 billion students in over 190 countries due to the closure of schools, universities, and many literacy and lifelong learning programs.
During this crisis, LCNV has been fortunate in being able to support a group of truly committed learners in continuing their education through various distance learning channels, such as online education. Marlon is one of our students in these programs. Because of COVID-19, he went back to his home country to be with his family, but continued to attend classes with LCNV virtually. From his essay, we can sense his dedication, positivity, and belief in his future. Read his essay below:
“Since I returned to my country, Guatemala, I have felt better. Now I can spend time with my family and fight for my goals and dreams. I am aware that I have the opportunity to look for better jobs and better opportunities because I speak English. However, it has not been enough to get a job right now. COVID-19 has stopped almost everything in my country. Learning and practicing English has helped me during this moment because I am taking advantage of my time to improve my English and I am lucky to keep in touch with all the amazing people that I met at the Literacy Council of Northern Virginia through online Zoom classes.”
At the English Empowerment Center, we are dedicated in helping our students become more involved in their community via the power of English literacy. If you believe in our cause, please consider volunteering with us or making a donation.