College of Western Idaho (CWI) celebrated National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week, Sept. 13 – 19, a national event which raises public awareness about the value of adult education, literacy, numeracy, and digital skills training. This was a great opportunity for CWI to recognize the students, educators and programs helping adult learners build skills, reach their goals and create new opportunities for themselves and their families.
Students, faculty and staff kicked off the celebration Tuesday, Sept. 15, with a visit to the Idaho State Capitol. Students toured the Capitol and connected with state leaders and members of the public, sharing their experiences in CWI’s Adult Education, GED preparation and English Language Learners programs.
Recognition continued at the local and state levels throughout the celebration. On Thursday, Sept. 17, CWI Adult Education joined the City of Boise in recognizing Adult Education and Family Literacy Week.
To close out the celebration, Idaho Gov. Brad Little issued an official proclamation Monday, Sept. 21, recognizing Adult Education and Family Literacy Week in Idaho. During the event, CWI Adult Education teacher, Rebecca Henderson, was also named Idaho Adult Education Teacher of the Year by the Idaho Division of Career Technical Education.
Henderson was recognized for her dedication to students, thoughtful approach to teaching and willingness to support Adult Education programs in a variety of roles. As an English language instructor, she helps students strengthen their speaking, listening, reading and writing skills while working toward their individual goals.
“My students are the ones who are truly inspiring,” Henderson said. “They keep going every day with persistence and joy in the face of so many obstacles, and I get to walk alongside them for a season and help them get to the next step. What an amazing privilege and an amazing job.
“Because I lived almost half of my life overseas, my students are also a sense of home for me. We understand each other and help each other through culture shock. Being able to teach at CWI alongside such brilliant, kind, capable and team-focused colleagues makes it even better.”
CWI Adult Education Teacher, Holly Bazarski, also helped bring greater visibility to adult education throughout the week. As Idaho’s 2026 State Advocate for Adult Education Fellow, Bazarski helped showcase CWI’s programs and create opportunities for adult learners to share their stories, experiences, and resilience during the week’s celebrations.
Selected for the yearlong fellowship by the National Association for the Transformation of Adult Education earlier this year, Bazarski represents CWI and Idaho while developing leadership and advocacy skills and helping raise awareness of the impact of adult education.
“This week gives us a chance to highlight Adult Education students,” Bazarski said. “They do not often get the spotlight. They are worth celebrating because of the obstacles they overcome to return to education, learn English or get training to enter a new career.”
Behind the recognition are more than 4,000 Adult Education participants CWI serves each year across its 10-county service area. Students come to CWI with different experiences, needs and goals, from learning English and preparing for the GED test to developing workforce skills and preparing for college or career training.
Whether students are learning English, preparing for the GED test or developing career skills, Adult Education helps them work toward personal goals while preparing for opportunities to continue their education, enter Idaho’s workforce or advance in their careers.
Among them is Esther Mlebinge, who came to Idaho from the Democratic Republic of the Congo 14 years ago. Mlebinge is currently taking English Language Learners classes at CWI with a goal of becoming more confident communicating on her own.
“I like that if I meet with people, I am able to talk by myself,” Mlebinge said. “I don't need to ask, ‘Hey, can you translate me?’”
For Mlebinge, improving her English is also about creating more opportunities for her future. After strengthening her skills, she is considering continuing her education and pursuing training to become a certified nursing assistant.
Mlebinge said she is already seeing the difference her classes are making.
“I'm improving little by little,” she said.
Mlebinge’s goals are one example of the many reasons adult learners come to CWI. Adult Education helps students strengthen reading, writing and math skills, prepare for the GED test, improve their English, develop digital skills, and prepare for college or career training.
Students can also put those skills into practice through a growing range of free classes focused on career exploration and workforce preparation. Opportunities include exploring healthcare careers, gaining experience with advanced manufacturing and skilled trades, learning technology skills, and more.
