Agricultural workers praised for learning English at World Life Institute

Photo and information courtesy of World Life Instituter: In front kneeling from left include Cesar Velasquez, Nelson Barahona, Angel Escalante, Udis Cruz, Alan Nunez, Daniel Payan and Julian Garcia. Second row: new teacher Wynter Dumont and Malvy Rivera, students Melvin Zuniga, and Luis Henry. Third row: teachers Monica Beck and Linda Redfield Shakoor, Osmin Delcid, Gerson Espinoza, Jorge Alvaro, Wilfredo Guandique, Fabian Cortes and kneeling continuing Intergrow student from Colombia, Julian Garcia. Back row: Josue Canales, Josue Martinez, Michael Mejia, Alexander Vilorio, Denis Ramos, David Cruz, Andi Torres, Oscar Suazo, Johan Soriano and Intergrow student from Italy, Alessandro Vincenzi.

Press Release, World Life Institute

CARLTON – The Orleans/Niagara BOCES and World Life Institute of Waterport celebrated the achievements of 21 adult English language students on Monday evening at the WLI education center on Stillwater Road. More than 40 students, staff and friends attended the celebration.

This year most of the honorees came from H.H. Dobbins apple packing facility in Lyndonville. There were 21 men from Honduras who regularly attended classes two evenings a week after working at Dobbins. Four teachers – Monica Beck, Malvy Rivera, Wynter Dumont and Linda Redfield Shakoor – taught their classes.

Each student received a certificate acknowledging their effort and improvement in the English language over a period of 8 months.

Student comments included:

“I love to come to English class. I want to thank God for the wonderful opportunity that He gives us to be part of this program and the English school which is a blessing in my life.”

“The classes were very helpful for the relationship with my colleagues and my American bosses.”

“I learned to buy clothes in the store, numbers, time and to order food.”

 “I took the driver’s permit test.” Nine students received their NYS driver’s permit.

“I know how to greet people… I met new friends.”

Students plan to return to work at Dobbins in Lyndonville in October 2023 and continue with English classes at the education center in Waterport.