By Melanie Slone
The Mexican government’s National Institute for Adult Education (INEA) offers literacy, elementary, and middle school services to young people and adults who have not completed their basic education.
The program is for those seeking to “improve their quality of life and their personal and professional development,” says Graciela Anderson, an adjunct professor at Palomar College and an INEA instructor, through “flexible educational models.” With the motto “no one left out, no one left behind,” INEA offers its courses here in San Diego County.
INEA classes at Palomar College educate the community so that “they can have a better place in society, read and write, do math, and learn about history and geography,” says Professor Anderson. “I enjoy working with them so they can develop their critical thinking,” she adds.
Finishing elementary and middle school accredited by the Mexican Ministry of Public Education (SEP) allows Mexicans outside the country to continue studying. But even more important, they can “develop mental agility, solve problems, and avoid being victims of fraud,” says Professor Anderson. “There are people who have to ask others to read all their documents for them.” These courses give them freedom and protect them from scams.
How It Works
Basic literacy is taught, then four levels of each subject, such as Spanish, math, social studies, and natural sciences. “Upon completing the elementary school modules, students receive an elementary school certificate” through the Mexican Consulate in San Diego, says Anderson. When they finish the middle school modules, they also receive their certificate.
Since Mexico recognizes their credits, they can complete their high school education online with the SEP (Mexico’s Ministry of Public Education). Or, if they prefer, Palomar College offers them opportunities to study English and other subjects to pursue a career.
All courses are taught in Spanish.
In addition, students get to learn computer skills. “Many of our students are afraid of computers; they don’t know how to turn them on. Here, they overcome that fear,” says Anderson. They learn to write, create PowerPoints, and design flyers. “I think it’s very important for them to go a little further so they can compete for certain jobs,” she adds.
Students are 15 years old and up, and Anderson tells us her oldest student was 80, so it’s never too late to finish elementary and middle school.
To enroll or to ask questions about INEA, contact Carmelino Cruz at (760) 744-1150, extension 2262, or ccruz@palomar.edu
Online
Lunes–jueves, 6:00–8:20 p.m.
San Marcos
Palomar College
1140 W. Mission Road, San Marcos, Ca.
Lunes–jueves, 6:30–8:50 p.m.
Vista
Church of St. Francis of Assisi
525 W. Vista Way, (Biblioteca), Vista
Lunes–jueves, 6:00–8:20 p.m.
Escondido
Palomar College, Escondido Center
1951 E. Valley Pkwy, Salón 610
Lunes–jueves, 6:30–8:50 p.m.
House of Prayer Lutheran Church
795 N. Rose St. (Salon 1), Escondido
Lunes–jueves, 8:30–10:50 a.m.
Fallbrook
Fallbrook Food Pantry
140 N. Brandon Road, Fallbrook
Lunes–jueves, 6:30–8:50 p.m.
