By Mary Lackie

Even though she speaks English and they speak Spanish, Mrs. Jack Markey has no trouble communicating with her Latin-American students. She began her fifth year as a volunteer English tutor this week at Christ the King center.

“I was working in the St. Vincent de Paul sorting room and someone asked if I would try a teaching program for housewives,” Mrs. Markey recalled. “I guess I just fell into it.” It began as a continuation of a night tutorial program for men started by Father Marion Shuk, O.F.M. and Paul Traina.

“I told them I didn’t speak Spanish at all,” Mrs. Markey said, “but if I was going to do something, I would rather do this. I guess it is a selfish thing on my part—I really enjoy it.”

At first, Mrs. Markey picked up her students for the classes, but it “became to involved”. Students come from all over the city-East Point, Tucker, and the Ponce de Leon area. “I know it’s a long way for them,’ Mrs. Markey said, “but I think it has helped them with their everyday living. They have learned to ride a bus and how much to pay.”

There are people who have been coming faithfully for five years, and the new students usually come with a friend. “They don’t know what to expect in this classroom situation,” Mrs. Markey said.

The students have a textbook and assignments in basic English, but the classes are informal. “They are taught to count, make change, all things so practical that it almost seems ridiculous in a way, but it is so essential,” said Mrs. Markey.

To expand on the textbook, Mrs. Markey has used magazine clippings, newspaper ads and a tape recorder. It is important that the women learn how to shop for foods in supermarkets, she said. “Most of them are housewives, so we have play-acting sessions when it fits the lesson. One acts the role of the clerk, and the other a customer. The morale improves as they learn to speak English.

Men attend the classes, but usually “drop out” as soon as they have learned enough English so they can get a job. Women who have found work in alterations departments are anxious to know the vocabulary they will need.

“I feel on a personal friendship basis with the women,” Mrs. Markey said. “They are so appreciative and charming. But they have so many demands on their time and I feel if they are willing to make an effort to come to the class once a week it is worthwhile.”

The women have introduced Mrs. Markey to their customs and invited her to their homes. “They share their family joys and sorrows” Mrs. Markey said. “I have attended christenings, weddings, memorial Masses—and even a Cuban picnic one summer. The main course was roast pig, but don’t ask me what I was served, I have never been to Spain and do not know the names of the dishes.” However, Mrs. Markey is an honorary member of the Accion Catolica Hispana Americana (Latin American Catholic Action Association).

Four teachers have helped with the program during the years, but Mrs. Markey is working alone this year. “I hope that other women will volunteer,” she said, “They don’t need to know Spanish. I feel that I am not too well-qualified but I think the women are learning something and want to continue. That’s why I don’t give up.”