Tuesday, May 5th is designated as #GivingTuesdayNow. The intention is to lend support to nonprofits in this disquieting time of the COVID-19 Pandemic. With so many Vermonters having lost their jobs, Vermont Adult Learning has seen an uptick in requests for services. We’ve been nimble as an agency, shifting services to the virtual realm to maintain continuity with existing students while accepting new ones.
We are using cell phones, iPads, chrome books and laptops to facilitate instruction, training and academic advising. We’re getting technology into the hands of students who need it. Students are progressing towards their goals. Participants are maintaining connections, valuable lifelines in a time of sheltering in place.
Stories are emerging. A single mom, with four young children, continues her studies even if consultations with her teacher happen in the bathroom. An English Language Student, now in Iran, reaches back to her teacher to resume her studies. A former student who just lost her job reconnects with her academic advisor–after a long hiatus–to get back on track to earn her high school diploma. A teacher gleefully exclaims during a virtual staff meeting, “I received 10 homeworks (completed) in my mailbox!”
The need for enhanced educational and training credentials is particularly critical in a depressed economy with many jobless individuals. Vermont Adult Learning is here to help students as we have for the past 40 years. We hope you’ll consider a gift at www.vtadultlearning.org/donate/
Be well.