BOISE — Navigating a pandemic is tough on its own accord, but being fluent in a language less commonly spoken than English in our state creates a new set of challenges.
Mayra Torres, the administrative assistant from Garfield Elementary, volunteers as a translator for the school. She connects Spanish-speaking families with resources in the school’s community, like the times for grab and go program, when to pick up their chrome-books and how to continue communication online.
Her services are especially needed as not having people to communicate with can lead to further isolation during the pandemic.
"I have been in close contact with one of our newest family that came from another country and she has been calling me constantly saying, 'Mayra I do not have anyone, I don’t speak English, you’re the only person I know, you’re the only person that I can call a friend right now,'" said Torres.
Mayra says she spends 30-45 minutes on the phone with each family, every day. If you have an awesome educator going above and beyond, like Mayra, let us know. You can reach out to Jessica Taylor on Facebook or at jessica.taylor@kivitv.om
