Bilingual skills a great asset

I want to commend Maria Zavala on her column in Sunday’s Bradenton Herald, “But you don’t know me at all.” Her experience demonstrates the ignorance of many Americans. Many Latinos (and other cultures) in our country are versatile in two or more languages, which is a great asset. Generations of immigrants have come to this country bringing with them their cultural differences while adapting to our American ways and language.

As to the statement, “Why don’t these people learn English,” many immigrants want, or are trying, to learn our language but because of the lack of resources, are struggling. As a volunteer tutor and president of Manatee Reads! (the Literacy Council of Manatee County), we have people come to our organization daily wanting help to learn, or improve, their English skills. But, because of the lack of volunteers willing to teach these learners, they wait for help. Many wait for months.

For over 35 years, the Literacy Council of Manatee County (Manatee Reads!) has been helping people learn or improve their English literacy skills. We need volunteer tutors who are willing to sit down with a learner a few hours a week to help him/her develop literacy skills. One in five Manatee County residents is functionally illiterate (having reading and writing skills insufficient for everyday tasks). These are not only immigrants, but also native-born Americans who didn’t develop necessary literacy skills.

Become a volunteer tutor. No experience needed. Training provided. Manatee Reads! 1701 14th St W. (United Way Bldg.), Bradenton. Attend our open house 10 a.m.-noon May 25. Learn about volunteer tutoring.

So, when we hear someone speak in a foreign language, let’s not assume they don’t know or don’t want to learn English. Let’s assume that, maybe, they just haven’t found that person to teach them yet.

This story was originally published May 19, 2016 at 11:29 AM with the headline "Bilingual skills a great asset."