St. Cecelia Catholic Church offers English as a Second Language class

St. Cecilia Catholic Church of Kennett located at 1226 College St. is hosting English as a Second Language classes from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday's and from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday. The program works with those who are interested in learning the English language and is also looking for volunteers to assist with on-on-one instruction. [Click to enlarge]

On Monday evenings from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and on Thursday's from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., St. Cecilia Catholic Church of Kennett located at 1226 College St. is hosting English as a Second Language (ESL) classes for those individuals who are interested in learning the English language.

Students meet at the church and join instructors Sister Carol Ann Prenger who is a Missouri state certified teacher and Jaime Munoz, a specialist who works with students preparing for citizenship.

According to Prenger, others throughout the community join forces with the instructors to help teach those wanting to learn the English language. The material used to assist with the program varies from one-on-one instruction to workbooks and written material to a special computer program that was donated by the Dunklin County Library.

The computer literacy program is called English Language Learning and Instruction (ELISS) and focuses on teaching the English language to anyone from any culture through interactive participation. The student has a microphone and speakers that allows them to actually hear how to speak the language properly and demonstrate it for themselves.

"The program is an excellent tool for us and the students," Prenger said. "We are extremely grateful for the lending of the program."

Prenger said that there has been a good response to the courses and that one of the benefits of the program is that a student can enter at any time because of the flexible and rotating material.

"The students who come are not of one particular culture and are on various levels of knowing the English language," she said.

Registration for the class takes place on site, or potential students may register by calling Prenger at (573) 888-2412 or Munoz at the Migrant Whole Health Office at (573)888-9044.

The program is also looking for committed volunteers who can offer their services on a regular basis or even periodically. If individuals are interested in volunteering they can contact the same numbers used for registration or come to the church parish hall for more information. An orientation to the volunteer services will be available and there is no need to know outside foreign languages.

In addition, Prenger said that there will be a training to be a tutor for one-on-one teaching of ESL on Saturday, March 4 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the St. Cecilia parish hall.

"No experience is necessary," Prenger said. "What is needed is sensitivity to cultural differences, a desire to empower others, an ability to adapt, transportation and time for two sessions per week for one hour each."

Prenger said the rewards of volunteering include getting to experience the uniqueness of other cultures and the ability to improve the life of an immigrant or refugee.