Daphne, this is true.  Abuse is a huge consideration in our program.  I have worked in several different adult education settings and the Women's Center definitely serves a unique population.  Our program is so special since we offer a great atmosphere and many services under one roof, but it also poses some unusual challenges.  We offer self esteem workshops, but many women who need these workshops don't attend.  I believe self esteem issues are a huge hurdle.  I often feel like a personal coach telling my women they are worth it and begging them to follow through with the program.  What is so challenging is it often takes women years to achieve their ultimate goal (often a GED).  This is not surprising considering our students missed years of school and many had a learning disability on top of it all.  How do we, as adult educators, motivate and change the mindset of our students?  It's such a big challenge!  However, I feel if we don't start addressing these challenges, it's going to be hard to make significant progress in improving adult literacy.  
 
By the way, at our Women's Center we offer one on one and small group tutoring.  It's been a wonderful model, but we don't have professional teachers.  We utilize volunteers.  The volunteers are wonderful, but often get discouraged if several students stop coming.
 
Thank you for all the feedback and discussion!
 
Shannie

Shoshanah Dean HilmerWomen's Center of Jacksonville Expanded Horizons Program Coordinator 5644 Colcord Avenue Jacksonville, FL 32211 904-722-3000  Ext. 233 www.womenscenterofjax.org > Date: Mon, 3 Mar 2008 17:49:06 -0500> From: ALCDGG at langate.gsu.edu> To: povertyracewomen at nifl.gov> Subject: [PovertyRaceWomen 1818] Attendance and women> > I would like to contribute to the discussion on attendance and focus on Shannie's program which is geared towards women, is in a secure environment, and provides transportation and child care. She is wondering what can be done to increase attendance over and beyond these issues. One aspect that needs to be considered is domestic violence. Fortunately, this is not an issue for all female learners, but it is an issue for too many. If a partner or family member is not supportive of the learner increasing skills, or is suspicious of the learner being part of a public activity on a regular basis, transportation and child care cannot address these obstacles.> Daphne> > ----------------------------------------------------> National Institute for Literacy> Poverty, Race, Women and Literacy mailing list> PovertyRaceWomen at nifl.gov> To unsubscribe or change your subscription settings, please go to http://www.nifl.gov/mailman/listinfo/povertyracewomen
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