"I intended this to be a part-time operation," said Ruth, "but the girls are here on the doorstep even when there are no activities planned." It was this activity that brought many of the mothers to see why their daughters were so excited about going to the Portage after school and during the summer months. A new program was formed because of the interest of the mothers and grandmothers of the Hmong participants.

In collaboration with the Hmong American Partnership (HAP), the Portage is now offering English lessons to the mothers. This program is being run by a HAP staff member, Cathy Jackson. 

"HAP volunteers, trained by the Minnesota Literacy Council, work with the women twice a week," said Keesha Hall, one of the volunteers. "Minnesota is now home to what is believed to be the largest Hmong population in the United States." 

According to HAP, Minnesota's Hmong community has tripled, increasing from 16,000 in the 1990 census to between 40,000 and 50,000. More than 90% of Hmong Minnesotans live in the Minneapolis/Saint Paul area. Almost half of the Hmong adults speak little or no English and more than 40% have no formal education at all. In addition, more than half are illiterate in their own language. 

HAP's Volunteer Literacy Program in conjunction with the Portage for Youth will work to overcome the language and cultural barriers. Most recently, the Saint Paul Foundation provided a $2,000 grant to the Portage and HAP to work with the women. 

Khou Thao, one of the mothers, has been a devoted attendee at the Portage language classes. Her niece, Kia Thao, translates for the instructors. Most of the Thao girls are regulars at the Portage afterschool. Because the Hmong people are not literate in their own language, it is especially difficult to learn and understand English. 

Ann Ebbers is another volunteer who works one evening a week with the women. All the volunteers have been trained to teach English as a second language and then volunteer their time with different organizations. The instructors are amazed at the degree of enthusiasm and determination displayed by the women. 

"It is especially rewarding to be teaching in a nurturing environment such as the Portage," said Jackson. "the generation gap is brought closer together as the young girls at the Portage begin to understand their mothers' and grandmothers' lives better. English has become a bonding language for them." 

HAP volunteers teach the classes, which are held from 6:00 - 8-00 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday at the Portage for Youth. If you know a grandmother or mother who would like to learn English in this comfortable and supportive environment, or if you would like to, volunteer, please call Kathy Jackson at (651) 642-9601.