Unilinguality

Today I went to a parent meeting at Harms Elementary School to talk about the adult education programs we do at NCI. Usually that kind of thing is absolutely Christine's bag, but she was busy writing a grant today and asked me to go for her. Besides we must be the only two white girls in south Detroit and everyone thinks we're the same person anyway.

At any rate, the gathering was so much fun. I watched four powerpoint presentations by fifth graders about Black history, and saw all the students of the month and met with many, many parents who wanted to know all about our English classes and computer classes and GED classes. And I was just so taken aback by the serious involvement of the parents. I can't explain how many times the discussion arises that public schools are failing because of the lack of parent involvement. And I am absolutely sure that is true and parental involvement in education is a huge factor in the youth development. However, after my experience at this rundown, poorest of the poor school in southwest Detroit, I don't think the argument can be made that parents aren't as involved as we expect them to be.

It takes a tremendous amount of work and humility to attend a meeting where the principal of your child's school does not speak your language. And none of the people there to tell you about all the services available to enrich your life (including the option of English classes!) can speak your language. And the police officers in your neighborhood cannot communicate with you and it all boils down to confusion and frantic hand gestures to try and explain crime and pain and abandonment. And really, if a school administrator or a police chief does not have the time or ability to learn a new language, how can we expect that from a single mother with four children who works two jobs and tries to attend GED classes?

Am I getting to preachy about this? Its an issue I struggle with every day for sure. Of course it would be better for my comfort level if everyone spoke English. And yes, I know, this is an English-speaking country and we can't expect to cater to every one here in America. But I'm the one that feels like a jerk when I walk into an auditorium and can't say more than "Hello" and "How are you" and "Your daughter is beautiful" to the people I am supposed to be reaching out to. Because I do not own this neighborhood or this city or this country, and these parents are honestly trying the best they can to succeed and provide for their children and help them to learn the things they themselves could not.

So, I am slowly and painfully working on my conversational Spanish. And trying really hard not to make a fool of myself!