On the New Voices Program of New Hampshire Humanities

"Vidhya Sreenath and Kalaivani Rajendran never thought they could write poems, much less in a second language. The two women came to the United States from India with their husbands and have been studying English in the advanced class at Keene Community Education.

"But in February, they began stringing phrases together in a way they never had before, choosing words that matched their thoughts, feelings and memories. They shifted their focus from the often-dry grammar that comes with learning another language to something else entirely. With the help of poet and mentor Patrice Pinette of Wilton, they wrote pieces that explore family, marriage, religion and the joyous abundance of Indian festivals.

"The women are participating in New Voices, a New Hampshire Humanities series that helps new immigrants across the state write and share their stories through poetry. . . ."

A recent Keene Sentinel article profiled the New Voices program.

To access the complete Keene Sentinel report, please visit:

Keene Sentinel: English learners find new ways to share their voices through Keene program (13 APR 19)

Background information:

New Hampshire Humanities: New Voices