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 Individuals shown here are participating in the English as a Second Language (ESL) classes offered by St. Cecilia Catholic Church in cooperation with Migrant Whole Health Outreach (MWHO). Through the free program, the group of students shown can also study in preparation for their citizenship in addition to the ESL curriculum. [Click to enlarge] |
Sister Carol Ann Prenger, Missouri certified ESL teacher, and Ludy Lopez, MWHO representative, will coordinate and instruct the classes. Other volunteers from throughout the community will be helping as well.
"These classes are made up of students who are on various levels of knowing the English language," Prenger said. "This is an advantage for most because it makes it possible for students to enter the program at any time."
Prenger said that in addition to the ESL curriculum individuals can also study in preparation for their citizenship.
"We support the study and even accompany the potential citizen in the steps along the way to receiving their citizenship," Lopez said. "This is a great opportunity that could be very beneficial for a number of people in this community."
Registration for the classes takes place on site at 1226 College Street in Kennett, or potential students may register by contacting Prenger at (573) 888-2412 or Lopez at (573) 888-9044.
Prenger said that the group is also seeking volunteers to dedicate their help on a regular basis or as often as they would like.
"Our volunteers are not required to know a foreign language," Prenger said.
The methods used in these classes are based on the Laubach Conversation and Way to English program. There will be a workshop for teachers or tutors of basic literacy and anyone interested in learning this particular method. The workshop may also benefit teachers and potential tutors of English for speakers of other languages.
Director of the Literacy Coalition of Southwest Missouri Carol Conway will be the presenter at the workshop.
Prenger said that Conway has used the Laubach materials in basic literacy and in teaching English for speakers of other languages for twenty years.
Conway is also a ProLiteracy America certified trainer in basic literacy and ESOL.
The Laubach Conversation and Way to English Workshop will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday, April 19 at the Migrant Whole Health Outreach office located at 1513 St. Francis Street in Kennett.
According to Prenger, individuals with a sensitivity to cultural differences, a desire to empower people, and ability to adapt, and time for one to four hours of teaching per week are prime candidates for the workshop.
"This opportunity could offer people a chance to share in a unique experience of other cultures," Prenger said. "It can also provide volunteers the ability to improve the life of at least one other person."