English as a Second Language and Citizenship Classes

Started in September of 2003, English as Second Language and Citizenship classes begin again with registration Sept. 12 and classes beginning September 19. Classes continue until May. Students may enroll at any time. Child care is provided. Classes are free but there is a $15 book fee.

Classes are held

• Wednesday 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
• Wednesday 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
• Thursday 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m

The ESL (English as a Second Language) ministry provides classroom teaching to anyone who is having a hard time speaking English. Some students can read English but do not understand what they are reading, or they cannot pronounce the words that they are reading. Many students only need help on how to pronounce the words in English and others may want to learn conversational English skills.

Most classes are small, we prefer to have six students per class but not to exceed twelve. We have had classes with less than six students. We will also provide one-on-one teaching to anyone who needs help learning English skills to help them with job related needs.

We offer beginner, advanced beginner, and intermediate classes. We are also offering Citizenship classes in the evening.

Several of our students have been attending our classes and classes elsewhere for several years. English takes practice, practice, practice and more practice.

We still need someone to be evening ESL director for next year. You welcome students beginning about 6:15 p.m. on Wednesday nights, serve refreshments and clean up afterwards, and make copies or get   supplies for teachers as needed. You also register new students as   they show up during the year. We follow the school year for holidays, etc. The most difficult part of the job is finding substitute teachers at the last minute when someone is sick or away. The main requirement is a love of people. Our students may sound a little different than we do but they are interesting and talented people with fascinating life experiences. They have certainly enriched my life the last five years. If you would like to work with either morning or evening English as Second Language classes next year in any way please call Edith Fensom at 746-7291.  ESL training classes will be held at the Dover office August 1, 2 and 3.

We are grateful to everyone who has helped in any way with ESL. Thank you for supporting the ESL ministry the last five years with your prayers, financial help and by volunteering. You were serving God right here in Mechanicsville. We need your continued support as we follow God’s leadership spreading His love here in Mechanicsville to people from other countries. We are serving Christ where we are. Come join us.

Celebrating Five Years of English as a Second Language!

In May 2008 we will complete our fifth year of ESL ministry at Walnut Grove. Here are some of the things we’ve done over the years with your help:

• Reached approximately 100 students from around the world, including Afghanistan, Germany, Taiwan, Mexico, El Salvador, Honduras, Brazil, Spain, China, Burma (Myanmar), Guatemala, Peru, Viet Nam, Korea, Liberia, Japan, Ukraine, Italy, and Cuba. The flags on the map across from the Martha Jeter classroom that represent all the different countries our students are from.
• Worked closely with members of other churches helping refugees
• Provided transportation to and from classes and other times as needed
• Collected food for a single mother and dedicated her child in our child dedication service
• Provided free books for refugee students and donated funds, clothing and household items to refugees and other needy students and their children
• Provided Christmas baskets to needy students
• Met a Hispanic student whose church needed a place to worship; they are now meeting at WGBC
• Helped find medical care for students
• Celebrated the birth of three babies born to students who were attending classes at WGBC
• Taught students job-related terms and found jobs for students and worked on resumes
• Worked with a student to become a United States citizen and started on her GED
• Worked with college graduates who needed to improve their spoken English
• Provided childcare for approximately a dozen children so their parents could go to class
• Shared native foods from around the world
• Learned about other cultures and countries
• Became much better at understanding people with accents
• Met ESL teachers from other churches and helped provide training for new teachers
• Worked very hard but made lots of new friends with both teachers and students
• Shared the love of Christ in Bible stories and by our actions and words
• Celebrated Jesus’ birth and resurrection with parties and told them why we celebrate
• Participated in the Samaritan’s Purse Shoebox Ministry for 3 years
• Students donated quarters for the homeless.