🎭Field Trip to the Academy of Music

This month, a group of BeLit GED learners stepped out of the classroom and into the historic Academy of Music for a special evening seeing SUFFS, the Tony award–winning Broadway musical honoring the women’s suffrage movement. Dressed up for a special night out, learners and staff gathered in Center City to share an unforgettable evening of community and connection.

Moments like these reflect BeLit’s commitment to joyful, enriching learning experiences that expand cultural access. Heartfelt thanks to instructor, Megan Reamer, for making this meaningful, memorable evening possible.✨

BeLit Learner Spotlight🔦

Margarita T.C., Age 34, Family Literacy Learner

When Margarita moved from Mexico to Philadelphia twelve years ago, she focused on building a life for her family, including working, raising children, and managing the routines of a new city.

Margarita first learned about BeLit through her children’s school in South Philly. She saw information about classes and decided to join for a simple reason: “to be able to learn English.” After more than a decade in Philadelphia, BeLit became the first place where she felt ready to begin.

Every Wednesday, Margarita attends Family Literacy class with her six-year-old son. Those two hours together have quickly become her favorite part of the week. She says the best moment is “being together and working, the two of us.” In class, they read, paint, play, talk, and participate in activities side by side. Learning next to him fills her with happiness because she can “see everything he is doing in class.”

She has watched her son grow more confident since starting the program. Margarita says he now has “more confidence to speak in public and participate without nerves.”

At home, she and her son sometimes continue reading or practicing English after class. To keep up with her studies, Margarita organizes everything a day in advance so she has the time she needs. She says she already feels her English "improving each day” as she begins learning new words and pronouncing them better.

One of her favorite moments so far was telling her son she was going to study and hearing him say that he would help teach her. For Margarita, that small exchange captured exactly what Family Literacy means: learning together, encouraging each other, growing as a team. Outside of class, Margarita loves spending time with her family around the city. Their favorite restaurant is Olive Garden, and her children enjoy visiting museums like the Please Touch Museum.

After twelve years in Philadelphia, Margarita finally stepped into her first English classroom and discovered a place where both she and her son can learn, build confidence, and enjoy the experience together every week. For other parents thinking about the program, Margarita’s message is clear, “It is a very good option because you learn with your child and prepare yourself to communicate with other people.”