August Boomerang

How Remote Learning Works for Renee
"Any subject you can learn in school, you can learn on this computer."

As soon as LVGH re-opened its doors to students after the onset of COVID last spring, Renee was one of the first students we saw. He had still been taking online classes, but he has always expressed how much he appreciates and benefits from the community of our Literacy Center. So, he packed up his laptop and his school papers and logged on to his online class from LVGH every week. “Going to school during the pandemic was very important to me because it gives me something to do”, Renee explains. “It’s better than sitting at home or being on the street.”

Renee began taking classes at LVGH not only because it gave him a place to go, but because he wanted to improve his ability to read and write the way that he couldn't in high school. “School was alright when I was a kid, but not like this,” he says. “I had a baby, so I had to drop out of school to support my son and get a job.” He says he never got a chance to use a computer in school before he left, and has always wanted to learn. “A lot of jobs out there will ask you to use a computer. It’s necessary. And this was my chance to start to learn.”

Now, Renee has set his sights on earning his GED and has really taken a liking to learning online. “Any subject you can learn in school, you can learn on this computer,” he tells us excitedly. “It’s helped me a lot. Once you learn something, you don’t forget it”. He smiles. “At least, I don’t forget it.”

Introducing our ESOL Manager
Welcome Monica to LVGH

This past month, we were very excited to welcome Monica to the LVGH team as our new ESOL Program Manager. Monica is from Brazil and has been living in the USA since 2016. She first started with LVGH as a student, and then started to volunteer around the Literacy Center before or after class. She has a bachelor's degree in Tourism from Universidade Federal De Minas Gerais, Brazil. Monica used to work as a manager for a travel agency that focused on exchange programs and helping students achieve their dreams. She really enjoyed that experience and hopes she can do the same here.

She has a passion for traveling and getting to know different cultures, places, and people, and all that she can learn through those experiences. Monica also enjoys soccer, music, food, and being with family and friends. The love of her life is Hugo, her baby, who Monica says is her inspiration and motivation for everything she does in life.

Next time you see Monica around the office, be sure to say hello!

Fall Term Starts September 1
LVGH Continues Hybrid Learning

LVGH is excited to start up classes again on September 1st with another hybrid learning term in place. Students and tutors who are comfortable doing so will join us for small, socially-distanced classes at both our Hartford and East Hartford Literacy Centers. Others who are more comfortable remaining online will have that option, as well. In order to protect our community, and in our desire to continue in-person learning as long as we can, we will require all tutors and students to wear a mask at all times, regardless of vaccination status.

We appreciate everyone's commitment to ensuring a safe learning environment for us all.
Thank you again, and we will see you all in the fall!

August 2021
Student Successes

Three of our Food Service Job Training students took and passed their ServSafe tests this past month. (Left to right) Afi, Jahaira, and Zaku are all officially certified Food Handlers and are excited to graduate from the program and get started on their culinary careers. Congratulations, ladies!