Despite working two jobs, six days a week, he makes sure he can spare two hours every Tuesday and Thursday for his English class at Guadalupe Schools' Voluntary Improvement Program.
"Every teacher here gives time to teach when they could be doing something else," Alexandre said in his Portuguese-accented English.
This year a national organization noticed what the program and its volunteers have been doing.
VIP was chosen as one of the top 10 volunteer-based, English-as-a-second-language programs in the country by ProLiteracy America.
"It means the world," said Kate Diggins, director of adult education at Guadalupe. "It's not very often that adult ESL programs have an opportunity to be known in the community. We tend to do our work very quietly."
The program is being honored for its success in involving volunteers to supplement the work of paid teachers in ESL classes, Diggins said.
As a result of the honor, VIP, along with the nine other programs chosen, will spend the next 18 months putting together a guide to help other publicly funded adult programs recruit, manage and support volunteers. Between 140 to 170 tutor volunteers per year teach English to low-income adults needing basic language skills at VIP.
What makes VIP different from other programs, according to Diggins, is that the students and tutors work at one site. Students are placed in small groups and taught by the volunteer tutors, who work under the supervision of trained staff members.
"We are strong advocates of having students and tutors meet here and try to build a stronger sense of community," Diggins said. "Tutors can come together and support each other."
Students meet with their tutors twice a week for two hours. Lessons are tailored to each student's need and proficiency level. Diggins said those volunteering include college students, professionals and retirees.
Some of the tutors have spent years with the program, which only requires a two- to three-month commitment. The program's volunteers average a 15-month stay. Some have stayed as long as 10 to 15 years.
"I was looking for something to do," said Altaf Rahman, a VIP volunteer of six years. "I found it very enriching. I know that language is important and crucial. A lack of language can be a huge barrier."
Rahman said his experience with the program has been so positive he managed to convince two of his friends to volunteer.
Temma Martin has spent 18 months with her students at Guadalupe Schools. Aside from her interest in Latin American culture, Martin said she knew there were a lot of people who want to learn English but do not have the opportunity.
"I do it [volunteer with the program] because I like my students," Martin said. "I've been proud since the first day because I know I can give a little of my time and help change people's lives."
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* ROXANA ORELLANA can be contacted at rorellana@sltrib.com or 801-257-8999.
Want to know more?
For more information about how to volunteer with Guadalupe Schools' Voluntary Improvement Program, contact Kate Diggins at 801-531-6100 ext. 1107.
