When Kia Foye started hanging with the “wrong crowd” in middle school, she didn’t realize how much it would jeopardize her education.
She went from Rochelle Middle School to an alternative school, eventually dropping out before reached high school.
Foye, 29, is just one test away from completing her General Education Diploma from the Lenoir County Family Literacy program housed at Teacher’s Memorial School after starting in August.
“(The program) has helped me a lot,” she said. “For the last three or four years, I’ve been in and out of GED programs, and one day I came here out of the blue. Ever since then, I’ve been rolling.”
Family Literacy is a non-profit organization that offers free GED and English as a Second Language (ESL) courses. The program also offers parenting classes, career readiness and free childcare and transportation for those enrolled.
There are currently 14 students enrolled.
“We have plenty more room,” said instructor Alana Smith. “We’ve had 60-year-olds in here. If you just want to come back and get your GED, this is the perfect place.”
Smith urged anyone in a GED program in the county — as they’re offered at the Lenoir Community College campus — to finish the program this year as the North Carolina Community College System will make changes to GED tests.
The prices will allegedly go up as much as $100 starting January 2014. The five tests it takes to complete the GED program in North Carolina cost $35 a piece.
“Most people take about a year to get through all those test, and once you take one, you have it until you get all five,” Smith said. “But in January of 2014, it’s not going to matter how many tests you’ve taken, (they) aren’t going to be good anymore.”
She said along with transitioning to a completely computer-based program, the GED curriculum will also change to match the standard core curriculum of the state, making the material tougher.
“It’s doable,” she said. “It’s an individual thing; some people are fast learners.”
Foye started her run in August, and it only took her five months to reach the last test. She said she avidly sought a program after having two children and realizing the value of an education.
“You can’t get anywhere without an education,” she said. “You want to get a career, not a job. You want to get something that will last forever and you can sit back and retire, buy a house and everything.”
Along with GED classes, a few ESL students have benefited from the program.
“This is a good program for all Hispanic people,” said student Sandra Gonzalez, 27, who moved to Kinston eight years ago from Honduras. “I like it; I understand a lot with my daughter.”
Her three kids attend Lenoir County schools and are fluent in English, often asking for Gonzalez — who’s been speaking English for two years — for help with their homework.
“Sometimes it’s difficult for me because I don’t understand all the English, but I’m trying every day,” she said.
Jessika Morgan can be reached at 252-559-1078 or at jessika.morgan@kinston.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessikaMorgan.
FYI:
To register for a Family Literacy GED Program, call Teacher’s Memorial School at 252-527-8099 ext. 3044
For ESL orientation dial 252-527-8099, ext. 3044
Orientations are held monthly