My Favorite Volunteer Helper at Washington Village Learning Center

Mr. Raphael Laredo is a volunteer at the Washington Village Computer Learning Center.  Mr. Laredo was born in Havana, Cuba on May 20,1920.  He has 1 sister and I brother.  So in 1935 when he was 15 years old he moved to New York City to live with his older brother and get an education.

There were many revolutions in Cuba and all the schools were closed.  His brother sent him to summer camp in Peekskill, NY.  This is, when he learned to speak English.  He went on to college and became chemical engineer.  His first job was to design and build a factory in Mexico City.

Over the years, he has built and designed factories allover South America and Cuba.  Mr. Laredo also speaks Portuguese and French.  He has lived a very exciting and interesting life.  He is married to his wife Ann and he bas 2 sons and 1 daughter.  He has lived in Westport, CT the past 40 years.  Even though he is 81 years old, he swims every day at the YMCA.  He can swim over 25 laps of the pool without stopping.  He has swam in the Swim Sound Race.  He comes to the center every week to help us with our homework.  He is a nice and kind man.  I am glad I have met him.

By O.