Fostering Literacy, Uniting Families

Valentin Cotoc-Ortiz ‘27

Staff Writer

Think of those you love; we all have someone we endure with our heart and want to help any moment we can. The Latino Family Literacy Program offers help that can aid parents through learning and helps them aid their children with homework. Student volunteers are able to experience new things when being with the children in the program. The volunteers learn the do’s and don'ts, how to be of assistance, and how to look and care for others. 

Katherine Tepaz-Castillo, Vice President of the Latin American Student Organization, says “The Family Literacy Program gives a volunteer an experience they would get nowhere else because in other places, they don’t get to have fun with kids.” She expresses the vast difference, and uniqueness in this experience over any other volunteering involvements.

At first, Tepaz-Castillo only needed the volunteer hours, but after her first time, she fell in love with the program and the new encounters it comes with. Her favorite memory is when she and the children had been coloring and laughing together. 

In addition to playing sports and other games with the kids, the Latino Family Literacy Program can help with community service hours and boost college applications. In addition, volunteers have the opportunity to work with fascinating teachers, learning valuable lessons. On top of that, the parents who learn are able to grow better connections with their children and support them in school work. 

At first glance, it seems to be just activities with the children, but it begins to feel different. It is an involvement with other curious minds, who quickly become close friends. The Family Literacy Program is a great first leap into the world of volunteering. Students involved in the program, including Katherine Tepaz-Castillo, Miranda Vasquez-Vergel, and Jacqueline Wager see the program as an amazing way of helping the community and having fun. 

The program takes place at the Milton Elementary School every Thursday from 5:00 - 7:15, beginning in February and is an excellent way for parents to help their kids succeed in school, and in life.