OUR VIEW: Bringing down the language barrier

As the 2008 presidential election moves closer, the candidates are consistently asked about their stand on immigration into this country. This topic has turned into an ugly battle with both sides of the political spectrum calling for reform of some sort but ultimately leaving the voting public without clear answers.

While many questions may remain, at least in Logan some of those questions are being answered, but not in the form that might be expected. USU Extension has teamed up with Logan High School, USU Community Credit Union, Monterrey Technological Institute in Mexico and the Mexican Consulate, to provide much needed education to the growing Latino population in Logan. The courses offered at Logan High School assist Latinos in gaining computer skills and in working to earn General Education Developments.

This program is beneficial not only to Latinos but to the entire community by providing a higher level of education for the Latinos, which will improve their involvement in the community. The Latino population adds a certain depth and new dimension to Logan’s small, but growing melting pot. While some may not like the influx of immigrants, like it or not, they’re here to stay and they are part of the community.

A good community doesn’t alienate select segments of its population, it includes them to add to the richness of community life. In this way, a community can work together to build better futures for children and adults alike. Up to now, the Latino population has by and large been a neglected segment of the community, largely because efforts have not been made to include these people.

It is often argued that it is difficult to include Latinos because of the language barrier. While it is true that many Latinos struggle to learn English, in many cases this is because they are not equipped with the tools necessary to learn another language. Imagine trying to learn calculus after using nothing but basic math skills for more than 20 years. It would be extremely difficult. Likewise, learning a completely new language can be challenging for these people. The program offered by USU extension works carefully with Latinos to help them overcome this language barrier and bring them into the community more fully.

Often these people are not confident in themselves because of their education gap or because they are afraid they can’t speak English very well. This program helps to lessen that societal gap. Sure it takes state money but look at it this way, if a larger segment of the population is educated, more jobs are able to be created and filled, providing a better way of life for everyone. In the long run it’s going to take more money out of the welfare system because people are empowered to get better jobs and live the American Dream. The first step is learning. Knowledge is power and this type of power is not meant for the lucky few, it’s meant for all people.