English At Large Hosts Graduation Event

English At Large (EAL), a Woburn-based nonprofit, recently held a Learner Graduation event to celebrate the achievements of local immigrants enrolled in its Tutoring Program. Hosted at the Lexington Historic Depot, the ceremony honored the efforts of 26 learner graduates from 8 different communities who completed more than 100 hours of English language instruction through weekly meetings with their volunteer tutors.

The event program included comments by Matt Roper, EAL Board President, who acknowledged the dedication and determination of both learners and tutors in working together to achieve common goals. “You are part of a large family of learners who benefit from programs offered by English At Large. You are a diverse group, but your reasons for learning English are the same: to join in your communities, to support your families, and to realize your American dream. Your commitment and your accomplishments give purpose to everything that we do. Congratulations to you, our learner graduates, and to your volunteer tutors. Thank you for your outstanding efforts!”

The program also featured reflections from a former tutor-learner pair who now volunteer together as co-facilitators of the EAL Conversation Group at the Stoneham Public Library. Sandra Laperche and Yan Xu were first matched as tutor and learner in 2013, and through their mutual admiration, affection and respect for each other, have remained friends. Their very special story was heart-warming and inspirational, and served as the perfect example of the community built by English At Large.

The ceremony was followed by a short reception, with refreshments donated by Flatbread Pizza of Bedford, Market Basket Supermarkets and Reading Cooperative Bank.

English At Large is a nonprofit organization that helps adult immigrants gain greater understanding of the English language and U.S. culture through personalized instructional programs designed to support their highest aspirations. Our learners benefit from a large network of volunteers and community partners in Greater Boston committed to their success. We envision a world in which all people have the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to take advantage of opportunity, enrich their communities, and achieve their life goals. EAL serves more than 300 learners each year in 24 communities in Greater Boston. Learn more at www.englishatlarge.org.

Visit the Graduation Event webpage for event highlights, photographs and the tutor-learner graduation video!