Over the years, we have learned much from our teachers and our students as we engaged with them in learning on all levels. In their own words, we share their responses and comments to being a part of the IHM Center for Literacy Family. Enjoy reading them!
"Dear IHM Staff, I want to thank you for all your time and effort to teach me how to remember my address, study my driving book to get my license, and many other things that I can do now because of you. I will tell other friends and relatives about this place. Thank you." ...Emma, Liberia
"The patient teaching and coaching efforts on the part of the Sisters, coupled with the students' intense desire to learn has been an enormous inspiration for me. This IHM Literacy Center is a vibrant and thriving learning institution helping our newest Americans to productively move forward with their lives." ...Dan
"Truly, my experience at the IHM Center for Literacy has been a gift beyond words! Our learners are teachers in their own right! They have enriched my life as I witness their love for America and all that our country represents, their respect for others, and their great desire to learn the language so that they can make life better for themselves, their families and others...we speak one language at our IHM Center - and that is the language of LOVE." ...Sister Marie
"My thoughts about my experiences at the Center are many - rich and varied. My experience with the learners has deepened my understanding of other cultures, given me joy, fun, awe and inspiration... I would like to think my capacity for compassion and understanding has increased because of my time at the IHM Center for Literacy. I am proud to be a part of something that works to better the quality of people's lives." ...Pat
"Coming to IHM is a great opportunity and big achievement for me. I gain a lot at IHM, both in speaking and reading English. I meet a lot of friends from different countries in the program. Our teacher is very knowledgeable and knows how to handle all situations in a nut shell. I am the luckiest person to be enrolled in this school." ...Ibrahim, Nigeria
"Teaching at IHM Center for Literacy has been the most meaningful volunteer activity I have ever done. It is a joy to teach students from all over the world who work hard and regularly express gratitude in many ways--with smiles, hugs and words. We create a safe and happy community and that warmth is treasured by the students and teachers alike." …Beth
"I came to Literacy Center for writing a few sentences and speaking, reading writing to communicate with friends very well and to have a good job." ...Karim, Dakar-Senegal
"Teaching ESL at the IHM Center has been a rewarding, challenging and joy-filled experience. My students have enriched and inspired me much more than I have them. Their dedication, hard work, generous spirit make each class a privilege to teach. I wish them success in achieving their goals and becoming an integral part of the American story. It has been the immigrants from many nations who have made American great in the past. May they continue to do so in our future days." ...Sister Mary
"My reading is good and I am getting better at writing. Our teachers explain well." ...Bintou, Guinea-Conakry
"Teaching at IHM Center for Literacy has allowed me to get to know members of the West Philly community in such a deeper and more meaningful way than ever before. Not only have I had the chance to learn about my students' lives in Philadelphia but also about their experiences in countries like Mauritania, Sierra Leone, and Guinea, places I have not yet had the chance to visit. I have loved working with the students at IHM Center for Literacy and hearing their unique perspectives; they bring with them such a diverse range of life experiences that I would never have the chance to hear about outside of IHM." ...Rachael