After 30 years of being out of school, Rudy Guinac decided it was time to further his studies, not only for him but for his family.
“I lost my job and, wherever I applied, they asked for the GED,” said the Guatemalan native who worked in construction.
About six months ago, he learned about La Plaza Comunitaria in the St. Andrews Center and signed up to study to get his general educational development diploma.
The organization, which opened in 2004, held an open house Thursday to celebrate students’ successes as well as to let the community know more about what it does, director Mirtha Jones said.
“ESOL (English for speakers of other languages) classes are offered by many other institutions,” Mrs. Jones said, but La Plaza is the only place where literacy and Mexican primary and secondary courses are taught in East Tennessee.
La Plaza Comunitaria is an initiative of Chattanooga State Community College and the Mexican government, offering primary and secondary education to Hispanic immigrants as well as English as a second language and GED classes through the college’s adult education program.
Since La Plaza opened six years ago, the number of students has grown from about 60 to 263 this year, both in the Spanish-language and English classes, Mrs. Jones said.
NEW PROGRAMS* Orientation class: The month-long class is designed for newcomers who are registered at the Plaza Comunitaria. It will include information such as where and how to shop for food, learning bus routes and schedules, the locations of places in town necessary in everyday life and community services. From 5-7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, starting June 1.* Computer class: For English or Spanish speakers — limited to 4 students per class — who are 55 years or older. 4-5 p.m. Tuesday.* For more information, call Mirtha Jones, coordinator of Hispanic Outreach, at 423-697-2514.
But the students haven’t been immune to the economic crisis. Since the beginning of the year, about 100 have left for other states or gone back to their home countries, she said.
Chattanooga City Councilman Manny Rico, who attended the open house, said places such as La Plaza Comunitaria are important to help members of the Hispanic community help themselves.
“The better educated they are, the better they can provide for themselves,” he said. “With the Hispanic culture, they want to be able to help themselves if you just give them a chance.”
Mr. Guinac, who wants to pursue a technical career as an electrician, said returning to school has helped him inspire his two youngest children, who are 5 and 12.
“We have a bet going on, if the 12-year-old gets all straight A’s, which he did, I’m getting my GED,” he said.
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