Instead, she's helped a student accomplish plenty.

Nayla Azhar, originally from Pakistan, has completed the Laubach Way to Reading program. The program has four books of instruction and Azhar actually started the program on the third book.

Azhar and Kelley's next step is to begin preparing for the GED - General Equivalency Diploma.

"That's going to be new for me, but it's all a learning experience," Kelley said.

Azhar lived in Australia for a few years before coming to Texas about two and a half years ago.

The accents, she said, made it hard for her to communicate with people and that's when she decided to seek help from the local literacy council.

"She really worked hard with me," Azhar said of Kelley. "I feel really good because I no longer have a problem when I'm talking to someone."

In addition to working with the Laubach workbook, the two read the newspaper to each other and spent time talking about current events and family.

"It's been very relaxing," Azhar said. "I've learned so much."

Azhar has four children - a baby and three in school. Her husband manages two grocery stores in Temple with his brothers.

"I wanted to learn enough that if the time came and I needed to get a job I would be prepared," she said. "We never know what could happen tomorrow."

Azhar said she has told her friends and family from Pakistan about the tutoring.

Kelley said tutoring has been a rewarding experience and she's learned a lot from Azhar about her culture.

Don Stiles, Temple Literacy Council executive director, said the council has 25 tutors working with 33 students and there are 10 students in need of tutors.

English is the second language for about half of the council's students, with many trying to learn basic literacy skills, Stiles said.

Some of the Literacy Council students seek help because better reading and writing skills will translate into better jobs. Others want to be able to help their children with schoolwork.

There are also students who have advance degrees from other countries who want to improve their conversational English, Stiles said.

Temple Literacy Council tutor training workshop

WHAT: Participants will be trained in the Laubach method of teaching adult learners basic reading and writing skills.

WHEN: 8:45 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 24.

WHERE: McLane Room, third floor, Temple Public Library

COST: Cost is $15, but lunch and snacks are provided.

NOTE: Call 774-7323 or 541-0684 to register or for more details.