Free ESL Classes

This looks like a great opportunity to share with your neighbors:
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FREE ESL Classes to restart in September

 

Residents of Cully/Concordia, you are invited to participate in free ESL classes,  starting this fall, either as a student or as a volunteer tutor. This Portland Community College (PCC) sponsored Volunteer Literacy Tutor (VLT) program has been in the Cully/Concordia neighborhood since 2009 when a City of Portland and Portland State University research study identified a high need for English classes for adult immigrants in this area.

 

PCC is partnering with Hacienda CDC, Portland Public Schools, and the SUN program. We are currently negotiating with Rigler Elementary School with a view to providing classes there in the fall, two evenings a week.   Meanwhile, we plan to re-start classes in the fall on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Hacienda's Salon Comunal at 6895 NE Killingsworth.  Opening registration is 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, September 27^th .

 

Over the last two years, the program has served students from China, Egypt, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, Russia, Somalia, and Vietnam. Some of the students participate in Hacienda's micro-mercantes program, an effort to encourage small-business entrepreneurs in the community. And it works! It is so gratifying to see a former student making her way as a vendor at the recently opened Cully market, on 42^nd and Killingsworth, every Sunday.

 

We have a small group of dedicated volunteers, some of whom are former teachers. We also have a valuable relationship with Concordia University, which has graciously provided trainee teachers as volunteers.  But you don't have to be a teacher to be a tutor. PCC-VLT regularly provides trainings for folks who are considering becoming tutors. The next training is September 24^th at PCC-Sylvania.  A fee of $20 is charged for the 12 hour training conducted over two Saturdays.  Tutors are expected to make a six month commitment and to tutor both nights each week.

 

We have been able to provide this service thanks to our selfless volunteers and through a modest grant generously provided by the citizens of Portland through their representatives on the City Commission. The City Commission recently renewed our funding for another two years. Thank you, commissioners and fellow citizens! Local merchants and businesses have been very helpful as well.

 

A Concordia resident and graduate from Concordia University's MEdTESL program, the writer has been with the VLT program since 2009, first as a volunteer tutor, now as Coordinator. 

 

For more information contact: David McKenzie at david.mckenzie16@pcc.edu or leave a message at 971-722-2233. We look forward to seeing you!

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-Dustin