Immigrant Trials in the Triad

Immigrant Trials in the Triad

By: Elizabeth Boyd

For Fillippe, a fifth grader of High Point, N.C., English is not his native language. At age 10, Fillippe was placed in the fifth grade based on his age and due to the "No Child Left Behind Policy". Fillippe spends more hours on homework every night then his classmates, just to stay caught up with the rest of the class.

Fillippe's family is from Mexico and immigrated to the United States to experience a different culture and environment. Many immigrates travel to the United States for freedom, education and employment. Since Fillippe's family does not speak fluent English and cannot help him with homework, Fillippe struggles in school.


Language Barrier Solutions
To succeed in education, in the United States, fluent English is necessary. Like Fillippe, his lack of knowledge of the English language is interfering with his studies. Simple words like, "the", "car", and "book", are difficult for Fillippe to sound out and read.

Tonya McClain, a sophomore of High Point University, volunteers with the Learning Together Program at Macedonia Family Resource Center in High Point, N.C.

The program offers English education to immigrant families across the Triad. It was established when members of a local church, Christ United Methodist Church, walked through immigrant communities asking how they could help their transition to the United States.

Communicating with immigrants from Mexico and various countries from Africa, the church members found it difficult to relate. Once establishing the need for English education, the church created the Learning Together Program.

The afternoon program meets every Tuesday and Thursday from 5pm-8pm. While volunteers watch children and assist with homework, professionals teach immigrant mothers and grandmothers English, hygiene, and other basic living information. From learning about dental hygiene to the basics of "time-out" time, the mothers and grandmothers are able to raise their families well within the American society.


Facing Reality
As immigrants enter the country, their biggest concern is not necessarily the language obstacle, but the living adjustments. Families face difficulties adjusting to the fast pace of an American lifestyle. The Learning Together Program offers educational structure in a caring environment. Within the setting, there are translators that help the mothers and grandmothers.

The majority of the parents work in similar factory-type businesses, where education is not required, only common knowledge. Since math is a universal language, the job requires them to punch in numbers in a computer and the knowledge of the English language is not necessary.


Rewarding Experiences
Andy Russell, sophomore of High Point University, experienced volunteering at Macedonia one time and claimed it was an "eye opening experience."

"I spent three hour working with Fillippe on his reading homework and felt it was one of the most rewarding experiences." As other children played games, Russell sat with Fillippe and tried to make learning fun. "We had to sound out every word, but knowing I made an impact in his life meant a lot to me" says Russell.

Macedonia Family Resource Center

"To Empower ALL People by Enriching their Spiritual, Social and Family lives, in God's Love."

Macedonia Family Resource Center was established to create a safe place for the community and to reduce the crime and violence rates.

The Wesley Memorial Methodist Church of High Point, contributed 1.5 million dollars for the center. United Way of Greater High Point gave money of $500,000 toward the construction also.

In August of 2003, Macedonia opened to the public.




Related Materials:

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Macedonia Family Resource Center