Perhaps the best way to communicate the impact of KidWorks’ newly relaunched English as a Second Language (ESL) classes are the words of Valentina Benitez, the mother of students attending our programs:
“I come to learn. I study hard. Learning English helps me continue growing as a person and being the best that I can be.”
Valentina is one of 26 parents now enrolled in the current semester of ESL classes held bi-weekly at our Dan Donahue Center, thanks to our partnership with Santa Ana College and instructor Rosita Valencia.
ESL classes offer pragmatic and useful skills that parents can apply to their day-to-day lives. Not to mention parents gain confidence in basic speaking, reading, writing and listening skills, along with encouraging them to take additional classes to increase their English language proficiency.
KidWorks learned of the strong interest in ESL classes when we conducted a survey of parents in December, and then quickly acted on that feedback.
Salma says offering classes on KidWorks’ premises is the perfect venue.
“KidWorks is a more intimate setting than a college classroom and many of the parents know each other,” she says. “Also, many parents are at KidWorks on a regular basis since their children are enrolled in our programs.”
ESL classes are offered at no charge to parents, which removes a stumbling block in an underserved community where economic hardship is commonplace. Childcare is offered during the ESL classes for parents who need it, which removes another potential roadblock to attendance.
“The motivation for launching this program is for parents to feel more confident in their ability to thrive and adapt to new environments,” Salma says.
She adds, “For example, they may be more likely to look for and apply for certain jobs or even improve their communication in a job they already have. The goal is to build on the strengths of our parents to further their development into leaders within their own community.
“Living in the United States, the most common language used is English, so there definitely is an advantage to taking this course. Helping their children with homework is just one example” Salma says. “Parents without English language skills often mention that they have a hard time helping with their children’s homework; our ESL course helps remedy that.
“Another added benefit is that parents are able to make new connections with other Santa Ana residents and pursue higher education with increased confidence.”
Providing ESL classes through our wonderful partners at Santa Ana College is another example of how KidWorks involves the entire family along with the hundreds of students we serve.
By Glenn Leibowitz, volunteer writer