Fatima Meziani
About this time last year a national organization called Literacy Volunteers Serving Adults invited Pat and me to attend a 20 hour seminar that would prepare us to tutor ESL and basic English students. We took the course with 12 others; enjoyed being with these friendly, very sharp people; enjoyed the lectures, and on the last day carefully selected the two students Pat and I would tutor (always on a one-to-one basis), usually at one of the local libraries. And now, here we are -- one year later already!
Pat is tutoring a Muslim woman named Fatima from Morocco. She's married and has three children. Fatima is an eager ESL student (that makes tutoring a lot easier!). She's a lovely, gentle and genteel lady who always greets Pat with a 'hello' and a sunny smile. Her husband has several advanced degrees from Morocco but, unfortunately, they're not recognized in this country. He now owns and operates a pizza shop in Wilmington with help from Fatima's brother.
Why did they emmigrate to America? They came here for their children! They want a good education -- thru college -- for their son and two daughters. An education that would be recognized anywhere in the world. Imagine! Leaving your family and friends, your whole cultural world to give your children a shot at a better life. That's devotion!
Pat feels good about teaching again. What's nice, too -- she and Fatima have bonded so well. Fatima loves to tell Pat about the intricacies of her Muslim culture. This is tutoring at it's best: it's a two-way learning experience!
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Fatima and Pat
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The ubiquitous Islamic Arch
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Islamic Moroccan Wedding Day