Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Adult education important in county

Adult Education in Clark County was Rotary's topic of discussion for February 13.

Mary Lewis, with the Adult Education Group of Clark County, spoke to the Rotary Club about the importance of the adult education program in Clark County.

"Our business of is getting a General Education Diploma (GED). We are also in the confidence building business. If you do not have your high school diploma chances are you level of confidence is low. With our help you can get that confidence and possible the job you have always wanted," said Lewis.

"We had a gentleman who had worked at International Paper for years without his high school diploma. He was told by the company if he received his diploma he could make more money and be promoted. We worked with the gentleman for the required time. He would take night classes and take work home with him. In no time he received his GED and was promoted. He is now a supervisor."

There are only eight people running the adult education program in Clark County. Lewis said this makes it tough, but the job gets done.

Mary Kuhn is the teacher of the Gurdon Adult Education Program in Gurdon, with Lewis being her teaching assistant.

In 2002, 84 participants in the program graduated with their GED. Of the 84, 12 of them were Gurdon residents.

"We are hoping to have even more this year," said Lewis.

Lewis said the program receives the schools drop outs and kick outs. "We don't mind though, we work well with anyone and they work well with us. They are there by choice and that makes a difference. Sometimes we receive those that are on probation and aren't there by choice. It makes it interesting at times."

Lewis said having older students in the classes really help with the younger students. "The older one's encourage the youngsters and can teach them how important their education is just by example."

Many of the program participants cannot read. "They are the one's who for years could sign their name and got by with not reading by using the excuse that they did not have their glasses with them," said Lewis.

Lewis passes out several of the programs books used during classes. One particular book worked specifically with the translation of English and Spanish. Lewis said it is important to teach a class of this type due to the influx of Hispanics in the area.

"It is sad when they do not know how to communicate or have anyone to teach them how," said Lewis.

She also said the books for translation were used probably more than any other.

Several classes are offered at the adult education program for many reasons other than the GED program. Such classes are Spanish/English, Computers and several other classes.

Computer classes aren't just for those who did not finish high school, but for those who just missed out on learning computer technology.

Anyone wanting more information on the program in Gurdon can contact Mary Kuhn at verymary71743@yahoo.com

or for information in general can call (870) 246-5675.