Josh’s compelling story needs no translation

Josh Rosardo, a wiry 7-year-old, smiles easily inside the bustling art room at the West Side Boys & Girls Club.

His soft voice belies his powerful story.

Josh knew no English when his family came to Cleveland from Puerto Rico two years ago. That summer, Josh enrolled in the Boys & Girls Clubs of Cleveland. At BGCC’s West Side Club, he learned to speak and read English even before he attended school for the first time in the United States.

“My teachers (at the Club) show us how to read and write,” Josh says. “If you do not know English, they teach you. Now when I come here I do my homework first, then get a book and read it. When I go home, I take a bath, eat, read a book and go to sleep.”

What’s his favorite? “Every book I read is my favorite,” he says.

Since his mother speaks no English, Josh serves as her translator when they go to the grocery store. He also helps classmates and fellow Club members who struggle with the English language.

“I am happy that I know English. Now I love to read,” Josh says.