Betzabel Vazquez

Literacy New York Buffalo-Niagara is the region’s sole provider of free, one-on-one adult literacy services. Their mission is to open pathways to expanded opportunities for adult learners and schoolchildren by enhancing their literacy skills and nurturing their well-being. The organization’s vision is to be an integral partner in the revitalization of our community. 

Work Highlights

• Completed the literacy volunteer training. 
• Provided direct service by tutoring in adult basic education classes as well as ESL classes. 
• Created lesson plans based on experiences in the classroom that can be used for beginning tutors. 
• In order to highlight the adult illiteracy epidemic in Buffalo, researched and created a fact sheet that compared local and national statistics. 

In their own words

“Through my experience in Buffalo, I learned that I would like to pursue a career in education. Having worked as a teacher, I realize that I want to do more in education that impacts kids nationally. My interactions with the other fellows motivated me to want to do better and to be better. They were all doing such amazing things, and that allowed me to continue pushing for change, and making a difference.” 

Impact

“Betzabel served approximately a dozen students but her work creating lesson plans will be something our agency can continue to utilize with our volunteer tutors as a resource. As an agency, we were very impressed with Betzabel’s work ethic, passion and energy that she brought to the table, especially on the topic of education. She is a very impressive young lady who will go on to do wonderful things in life. I was most impressed by the depth, empathy, and perception she has at her young age.” 

Julie Chojecki, Director Student-Tutor Relations
Literacy NY Buffalo-Niagara, Inc.