JONESBORO—English literacy classes for adults who speak other languages and a program to prepare for the U.S. citizenship test will be offered in January at St. Philip Benizi Parish in Jonesboro. The programs are free.

The English literacy program has been in existence at St. Philip Benizi since 2009 and has served students from numerous countries who speak many different languages. The program is available to the community at large. This free literacy program was initiated to support adult immigrant individuals wanting to learn or improve their English skills.

The literacy program provides instruction to understand, speak, read and write English and improve English skills, and it also teaches U.S. history, U.S. customs and culture.

The citizenship test preparation class prepares permanent U.S. residents for the U.S. citizenship test. Students are given instruction on understanding the N400 form questions (application for citizenship). Students receive instruction on taking the oral and written parts of the citizenship test. Classroom instructions include the necessary vocabulary to understand and respond to questions during the test such as important historical dates, historical persons and events, the U.S. Constitution and its amendments, and U.S. geography. The textbook is approved by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Classroom instructors are community volunteers. All volunteers receive training from professionals in the field of English literacy for adults. New volunteers are welcome.

Volunteers need only to speak, read and write English as all instruction is in English.

Teaching experience is not necessary.

Classes are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m. Students must be adults 18 or older. There is no child-care service available. Minors under the age of 18 are not allowed in the classrooms.

Registration for the spring session is on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2015, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Hartmayer Education Building at St. Philip Benizi Parish, 591 Flint River Road, Jonesboro. Classes begin on Tuesday, Jan. 13, and end on Thursday, April 23.

Anyone interested in taking the classes or volunteering is asked to email the program at eslandcitizenship@gmail.com.