ELL Classes in cashiers!
Non-English speakers in Jackson County are getting an education in language and literacy thanks to a partnership between the International Friendship Center and the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Cashiers.
Since March 14th, over 80 men and women have been meeting on Mondays between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM at the Church of the Good Shepherd to take part in English Language Learner (ELL) classes.
The program provides three instructional levels to fulfill the needs of all students. As noted by one of the students, “classes are very didactic, friendly, and productive for day-to-day life”.
The class has averaged about 25 regular adult learners on each class night; however, the two organizations running the classes encourage new students to come and join the course at any point.
According to Good Shepherd Rector Rob Wood, “each week we have at least 3-4 new students, and in some weeks, we have students moving up from one level class to another. In any case, it’s easy for someone to jump right in—mainly because the other students are so welcoming and helpful, but also because the curriculum is built for ease of use as well as growth in learning”
Additionally, the program has provided students the opportunity to consult with IFC’s social worker, Karla Magaña, about their needs and to learn about resources available to the Hispanic and Latinx communities in Jackson County.
“The program has become a safe and welcoming environment for students to approach me with questions about childcare, housing, college education, health care and much more,” Magaña said. “Students are encouraged to come see me during class or they can schedule a meeting for a later time. The most important thing I like to highlight to our students is that, as a social worker, I have the ethical obligation to keep their information and our conversation confidential”.
Other community partners have also joined the classes to speak with students about other programs. Last week, the Community Care Clinic shared information about its services and presented a talk on the prevalence of diabetes and high blood pressure among the Hispanic population. Organizations such as Blue Ridge Free Dental Clinic, Unete, and Pisgah Legal Services have been scheduled to present in the upcoming weeks.
Thanks to a generous group of volunteers, the IFC and Good Shepherd are also able to provide dinner and childcare to the adult students attending the class. Organizers note that volunteers are still needed and anyone interested in assisting with the program should contact the Church of the Good Shepherd at (828) 743-2359.
This first semester of the program is scheduled to end on May 23. Due to the strong response to this first round of classes, there are currently efforts underway to organize a summer session. For more information on this and other programs, contact Karla Magaña (828) 371-9460.