Senior Literacy Program

The San Francisco Literacy Program (SLP) provides free help to seniors (60 plus) in English as a second language (ESL) and basic reading and writing skills.

The vision of the program is to provide older adults in the community a chance to improve their spoken English and/or reading and writing, in a one-to-one, confidential setting.  This free program is designed to meet the goals and needs of each individual student, whether it is reading a menu, the newspaper, or communicating with a doctor.  We strive to eliminate difficulties with reading, filling out forms, voting and other basic survival skills.

Our approach is designed to empower students in the acculturation process and give them language skills needed to participate in, and contribute to, their community in a meaningful way.

Tutors/students meet in a one-to-one setting where they can teach and learn in a non-threatening place.  Pairings generally meet 1-2 hours per week at the senior center or a place of their choosing.   Tutors are asked to participate in a free 6 hour training course and make a commitment of  at least one year. 

Contact Sally Goodwin, Director Senior Literacy Program

sallygoodwin@sfsenior.com  415-923-4485

                               TUTORING PROGRAM SNAPSHOT

On Mondays and Wednesdays Shao Guang Liu and Yaoliang Lu (“Leon”)  improve their conversational and functional skills in speaking English at their weekly tutoring sessions at the Center.  Although both studied English at school in China, they are eager to improve quickly to be able to communicate easily and fluently with their friends and colleagues in San Francisco, and the seniors they serve at the Center.  And, wow, they both have thrown themselves into this effort with enthusiasm, hard work and a sense of humor.  The tutoring sessions sometimes are interrupted by other members of the Center who want to know what the fun is all about (and to add their comments about how great the guys are doing).  In China, before coming to the U.S., Mr. Lu was a property manager and administrative assistant, and Mr. Liu worked in machine repair and design.  They came to work with us at the Center from The National Council on Aging and Self-Help for the Elderly, and they’ve proved to be a wonderful asset to our members and staff.

          Tutor, Lee Howard, with students Shao Guang Liu & Yaoliang Lu