--Sister Trudy Schommer


On Saturday, April 24, the Minnesota Literacy Council awarded Sister Tonie Rausch and Associate Brianda Cediel the Honorable Mention Community Partnership Award at their annual meeting. This is an edited copy of what was printed in their brochure:

"In 2003, Brianda and Sister Tonie founded Hands Across the World (HAW) to help newly arrived refugees and immigrants learn English. To extend their funding resources, HAW partnered with Central Minnesota ABE (Adult Basic Education). HAW has benefited the St. Cloud immigrant community by providing another option for ESL programming in an area home to many new immigrants. They offer unique programming, experiential learning and practical hands-on skills training.

"The collaboration between Central ABE and HAW benefits both programs. HAW receives supplies and materials, trained tutors to lead classes, learner assessments and training. Central ABE benefits as learners have expanded options for learning English and learner attendance is tracked in one central database. Each founder has demonstrated tremendous dedication to the program.

"HAW continues to be active in partnership with several other likeminded organizations in the St. Cloud area such as Legal Services, Lutheran Social Services, Catholic Charities, the Police Department, etc. Brianda, who grew up in Columbia, understands the issues that stem from making one's home in a different country. Sister Tonie has been a lifelong activist fighting for social justice and change, as well as teaching in literancy programs in Tennessee and in Tanzania, Africa."

Photo: Sister Tonie Rausch and Associate Brianda Cediel are third and fourth from the left.


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