English Language Learners, a program that is Changing Lives
In June of 2020 my volunteer activities were few thanks to the covid virus. I called my honorary “Aunt” Florence in Carson City, Nevada. I remember seeing her when I was little, and after that I heard about her all the time.
Her parents and my grandparents lived in the same neighborhood in the Bronx in the 30’s and 40’s. We had recently started communicating with each other. I could not have imagined the opportunity that I would have from this call.
She (Florence Phillips, google her and read her list of accomplishments, including service in the Peace Corps and Vista, and many awards!) told me about her latest endeavor, as founder and executive director of the English Language Learners In Home Program.
The English Language Learners in Home Program provides tutoring for people who want to learn to speak English. They receive a volunteer tutor to get lessons according to the student’s availability. The tutor will come to their home (now online due to covid). ELL also provides a citizenship course, lessons to pass the GED, and computer courses. The services are all free.
Then she asked, “Would you like to be one of our tutors?” The last thing on my mind was taking on another volunteer job, but I surprised myself by saying “Yes.”
I am so glad I did. I am going on zoom once a week since then, speaking with and listening to Cynthia, who lives in Guadalajara, Mexico with her husband and four children. She has very good basic skills, so what we do is as I listen to her, I give her corrections on the chat to improve her English.
She and I have developed a wonderful friendship. Despite the differences in our age, experiences, and culture, the opportunity has been something I am glad that I didn’t pass up. When she feels she has adequate English skills, we are going to flip roles and she will teach me Spanish!
This is an opportunity that you can do at home, on the computer (zoom is easy once you dive in), an hour or two a week, and what a chance to learn about another part of the world first person.
I would urge you to take advantage of this. Training is provided, and you can participate with other tutors and students literally around the world.
Go to the website, https://eslinhome.org and click on “contact us”, or email englishinhomeprogram@gmail.com
The English Language Learners In-Home Program (ELL) is a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization committed to teaching English and U.S. citizenship preparation at no cost, for those in need worldwide.