Since 2006, the Cultural Learning Center, then known as the Latino Community Learning Center, has served those immigrating to the Washington area. Originally, all the Latinos learners were employees of Perdue Farms and held class at Perdue, but as Daviess County became home to Burmese refugees in 2010 and now an increasing Haitian population, Lynne Kiesel, facilitator of the center, has greatly expanded the services offered. Now, thanks to Perdue Farms, the center has two new laptops with software to help those who speak Haitian Creole learn English.
"Different people learn better in different ways," said Kiesel, adding that in 2010, the center was a recipient of the Arthur A. Perdue grant and received $10,000. "The computers with their special software will provide additional learning avenues."
Perdue Complex Human Resource Manager Erich Felkner as well David Wells, plant manager, were on hand to present the computers to Kiesel.
"We are happy to help the center," said Felkner.
It's not just English that those attending the center learn. With the help of Jennifer Stefancik, Purdue Extension Family Resource Educator, as well as others, students learn how to cook American food, open a bank account, file taxes and more.
"We bring in outside speakers on banking, insurance, health, nutrition, etc.," said Kiesel, who mentioned that students created an international garden in the west end of the city this year and the need to the expand the garden for next year exists. "The garden has been a wonderful community effort."
Kiesel is passionate about her work and said many of those Latinos who have attended the center have become U.S. citizens and some have even started small businesses. One Burmese lady also recently became a naturalized citizen. People who attend the center can also receive help in preparing for the citizenship exam.
"Every day has been a challenge and a reward at the center," said Kiesel.