Rio Arriba Adult Literacy Program
Helping community members transform their lives through enhanced literacy
At the Rio Arriba Adult Literacy Program (RAALP), we empower adults with literacy skills through one-on-one and small group tutoring in Basic Literacy and English as a Second Language (ESL). Our personalized approach helps learners achieve meaningful goals that transform their lives.
Maria, a 75-year-old RAALP student since 2016, achieved her lifelong dream this year by becoming a U.S. citizen and voting for the first time as an American. Paired with her dedicated tutor since 2018, Maria has worked diligently, meeting twice a week (except during COVID) to build her English proficiency and prepare for the citizenship exam. Together, they set and achieved small, meaningful goals over the years, steadily building Maria’s confidence and skills. Her perseverance paid off, culminating in this remarkable accomplishment that has deeply inspired her peers and community. Maria describes her tutor as “the best tutor ever” and is now excited to help other students whose goal is citizenship.
RAALP also expanded its impact this year by offering small group tutoring at Darrin’s Place, a local rehabilitation center, and increasing our reach to serve more learners.
____
The Santa Fe Community Foundation invited its nonprofit grantees to submit stories related to our August topic of Education.
Santa Fe Indigenous Center
The Santa Fe Indigenous Center is a Native-led nonprofit serving Indigenous families across Santa Fe County. Through biweekly food drives, cultural events, community programs, emergency financial assistance, and a robust network of referral resources, SFIC supports the diverse needs of the local Indigenous community. Each year, the organization hosts its signature event — the Honoring Native Nations Powwow on Indigenous Peoples’ Day — bringing dancers, drummers, Tribal Dignitaries, artists, and community members together to celebrate Indigenous culture, joy, and resilience. This year’s powwow was a vibrant success, and SFIC looks forward to continuing this tradition in 2026.
Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian
Last year, the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian opened Carved Stories by Hopi artist Mavasta Honyouti. Featuring all sixteen low-relief carvings from the Coming Home series — created in tandem with Honyouti’s children’s book Coming Home: A Hopi Resistance Story — the exhibit recounts his grandfather Clyde Honyouti’s experience at an off-reservation federal boarding school. This Indigenous-led project offers a powerful and visually compelling reflection on Hopi life, culture, and history. As Brian Vallo notes, “Carved Stories… is both powerful and beautiful.”
Kha'p'o Community School
With support from the Native American Advised Fund, sixth-grade students at Kha’p’o Community School embarked on Our Voice, Our Stories — a year-long documentary project blending traditional Tewa arts and modern digital storytelling. Through pottery, weaving, sewing, and film, students explored their cultural identity and celebrated their voices as young Tewa people.
