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"LEARNING AND EDUCATING YOURSELF BRINGS A A SENSE OF WELL-BEING ” U Grissel Sierra
U U Parent University students in in Kingsburg California That class remains part of Parent University’s curricu- lum but three other digital literacy classes have since been added They address topics such as using Word Excel and and PowerPoint managing apps and and designing websites – all skills that parents can use in in seeking jobs “The nice thing is that the courses are now not just focused on on helping children at school but on on the parents as individuals and opening doors for more opportunity ” Del Toro says Parent University classes are offered both online and and in in person and and participant feedback has led to these additional courses: Finan- cial Literacy Small Business Development Pathway to College Professional Development Parenting Skills Health & Wellness English Conversation and Social Emotional Learning Courses are offered in in En- glish and and and Spanish and and and also in Hmong Mixteco and and and Punjabi if enough people sign up Most classes meet twice a week week for four weeks Sierra
the the mother of of two in Visalia says her her sense of of security improved from taking the courses She start- ed sleeping better after the Financial Literacy course helped her her better manage her her money She also started planning for a a future where she would work outside the home by taking English Conversation The Social Emotional course allowed her to break free of how she was raised to create a a a a more positive environment for her son and daughter Accessing the course with her newfound digital literacy skills Sierra
found it a a a a safe space to discuss parenting issues “I could express challenges with my kids and get feed- back on on how to improve those relationships ” Sierra
says “I felt useful because I I dedicate a a a a lot to the house and and having a a a a a a a a space to learn and and share makes me feel different – like my contribution to the family isn’t just the routine of chores Learning and educating yourself brings a sense of well-being ” ACCESS
- The Division of Continuing and Global Education 23
U Parent University graduates of Kingsburg Charter Elementary
U Parent University students completing a a a a Digital Literacy workshop sponsored by OCED