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Friday's Internet Edition, 9:43 PM, July 3, 2009.
Picture being in a different country where the language, food and culture are all foreign. Imagine what it would it be like to enter a school system where, in order to learn, comprehending a new language has to be the first priority. This is the plight for hundreds of Hispanic children who have entered North Carolina schools in the past decade. As families from Mexico and Central and South America come to the United States looking for a better life, they bring with them an entire generation of young people who will be raised as Americans, both culturally and intellectually. For this transition to occur, steps must be taken to overcome the obvious language barrier. At Liberty Drive Elementary, one woman has assumed that role for a school that has seen a 30 percent enrollment increase in Hispanic children over the past five years. Luz Lambeth is originally from Bogota, Columbia, and now serves as a English as a Second Language assistant at LDE. As one of the few staff members who speaks fluent Spanish, Lambeth’s days are usually spent translating for the numerous non-English speaking parents who have children at Liberty Drive. “To me, it’s very important to be able to communicate and translate and to be that bridge between the staff and the students and their parents,” Lambeth said. “My challenge is to translate what they need and what the school needs so all of us can work together.” Lambeth came to LDE in 2001 and has been an intricate part in helping the school deal with its new found diversity. She says that while education is encouraged in many of the larger cities in Latin American countries, there are places where many Hispanics do not fully understand the benefits of staying in school. Her job is to help Hispanic families understand how important education is in the United States and that students in America face different expectations. Her task becomes increasingly hard when the parents themselves don’t speak any English, making it nearly impossible for them to help their children outside the classroom. “It’s difficult,” said Lambeth. “Some parents don’t have the education required and it’s difficult for them to help their children. The kids survive on their own or with their peers and classmates. The parents don’t understand English and it only makes the situation worse. The other problem is that a lot of Hispanics work two and three jobs, so there is no one to help them, other than a brother or sister. Some of them try, but if they don’t get the help they need some of them struggle. It’s difficult. When we enroll foreign students, we tell the parents about the importance of having their children come to school. In other countries, going to school isn’t enforced like it is here.” Liberty Drive Principal Jeanne Croft said that having Lambeth is “invaluable” to the school because she is the bridge between the school and home for Hispanic families. Without her, Croft said teachers could grow frustrated with the communication barrier. “Instead of having something just hanging out there, Ms. Lambeth is able to put it all together for us,” Croft said. “It makes it sensible for all us so the child, whatever the issue may be, can rise above it. We call her to the office constantly during the day. We’re so pleased to have this diversity with Hispanic children. They add so much to our school and we’re delighted to have all of them. Yes, it’s a challenge but it’s more of a positive thing.” Being diversified goes both ways, and LDE also is trying to teach its English-speaking students to branch out and learn a different language. A one-week Spanish class is offered once a semester to LDE students, and Lambeth is part of an effort to teach English to Hispanic parents. Having different cultures at the school also brings out curiosity amongst the students who want to know about different people and places. “Kids are curious and they want to know things,” said Lambeth. “They like to try things that they haven’t been exposed to, like the food. This country gives everyone the opportunity to learn, and it doesn’t matter about race or color. That’s good for the kids because they learn to interact with another color and culture.” Keith Tobin, Thomasville City Schools Superintendent, said Lambeth’s and Thomasville Middle School’s Gomez De La Torres’ contributions are vital to bridging the language and cultural gaps. “We’re very fortunate to have these ladies in our system,” said Tobin. “Not only for our children but the community as well. It only helps break that language barrier down. They have all done a tremendous job. There is a language barrier there, particularly between the home and school. When you can find folks to help break that barrier it’s important. In any situation between school and community, communication is key. It helps create an understanding on both fronts and allows us and our children to be successful.” Staff Writer Eliot Duke can be reached at 888-3578, or at duke@tvilletimes.com. |
