37 agricultural workers recognized for advancing English skills

2 earn citizenship in program at World Life Institute

Photos by Tom Rivers

WATERPORT – The World Life Institute celebrated with students who advanced their English and civics skills during a program run with the Orleans/Niagara BOCES.

The World Life Institute held a student recognition ceremony on Monday evening at the school on Stillwater Road.

There were 37 students who earned certificates. Those students work for local farms and agricultural businesses. Two long-time students at the WLI also were recognized for becoming American citizens.

These students hold up certificates for completing ESL classes in the past year. The WLI worked with students from Congo, Mexico, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Tunisia and Honduras.

The students were praised for spending about 15 to 20 hours a week learning English while juggling full-time jobs and often young families.

Harris Lieberman, one of the ESL teachers, congratulates students Hernan Sanchez for his effort and progress through an evening ESL class.

These two women both were recognized for earning their U.S. citizenship. Flor Iniguez, left, lives in Lyndonville and works in human resources for Fish Creek Orchards, where her husband Jose Iniguez is a part owner. Andrea Vargas, right, of Holley works at Kalir Farms in Brockport.

Flor Iniguez has been taking English and civics classes for several years at the WLI. She thanked her teachers for all their effort helping her over the years.

“The teachers gave me all the support I needed,” Iniguez said. “The teachers are wonderful people.”

Flor Inguez and Andrea Vargas lead the group in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance while Maria Castaneda, who is also an American citizen, holds the flag.

WLI wanted to celebrate Iniguez and Vargas on their achievement of becoming citizens. Fatima Lieberman, a Lyndonville student, played the Star Spangled Banner on her trumpet as part of the occasion.

Iniguez said she is grateful to be an American.

“I love this country,” she said. “I love the people. Many doors can open to you.”

Sue Diemert, a literacy specialist with Orleans/Niagara BOCES, said she is grateful for the partnership with WLI that goes back more than two decades. She congratulated the students on their success, and told them they are fortunate to have many “wonderful teachers.” Diemert has been part of the program since 2000.

The recognition program also included a new venture where students can earn certifications in restaurant management and hotel maintenance through the American Hotel Education Institute. Eleven from WLI have now completed that program.

WLI also is working with five students from the Iroquois Job Corps Center in Shelby on strengthening their English skills.

Deborah Wilson, center, was recognized by Linda Redfield, the program coordinator at right, for her years of service to the program. Wilson is retiring as an ESL teacher but will continue to run a pottery program for the students. She has been doing that since 2006.

“I can’t tell you how many lives she has touched and how many doors she has opened,” Redfield said.

Linda Redfield also thanked contributors to the program, including from left: Marisol Moore from the Brockport Migrant Education Program, volunteer tutor Lorienda Smith and Julia Stewart-Bittle, from the Genesee Valley Arts Council in Geneseo.

Redfield also cited the efforts of Francesca Colon from PathStone, Sandra Rivera from Oak Orchard Community Health and Stephanie Kellogg, the academic manager at Job Corps.

Ali Carter, a member of the World Life Institute, was the designer, architect and builder of the octagonal-shaped school, which opened in 1997.

He shared a quote from WLI founder, the late Dr. Asaf Durakovic. “The issues  for the future of humankind have never been more serious. We need an urgent remedy for the wound.”

Dr. Durakovic made that comment about 35 years ago. He helped start the WLI as a humanitarian mission.

Carter said the school, located in a rural area amidst apple orchards, has become “a place of deep learning and a refuge.”

He said many are part of the success of the program.

“Thank you for helping to bring his vision into fruition, a vision of life and eternal hope.”