Seamstresses to Students: ESL Goes Virtual
When the world closed in 2020, our English as a Second Language (ESL) classes came to a halt as well. After a month of closed studio doors and sew-from-home production, MRC transitioned to offering English lessons virtually thanks to the support of Melinda Szabo, an Americorps VISTA who joined our team in October, and dedicated volunteer and MRC supporter, Mary Braunagel-Brown. MRC is thrilled to not only restart the ESL classes this year but also expand to offering classes double the hours a week for both New Leaf and Open Arms team members. Currently, 18 refugees, asylees, and immigrants at MRC are receiving 2 hours of English practice weekly.
Providing ESL services to our refugee staff helps ease their experience in the United States as well as increases their ability in digital literacy and provides access to new opportunities. In this first session, ESL students’ lessons ranged in subject, such as where to receive the COVID vaccine, how to speak to their landlord, how to pass a GED exam, and study for a citizenship exam.
MRC’s English as a Second Language program wouldn’t be possible without the team of dedicated and encouraging volunteers who stepped up to serve their refugee neighbors. With the program now provided virtually, volunteers aren’t limited to the local Austin area; we have had volunteers from Chicago, California, Indianapolis, Vermont, and Louisville volunteer to provide weekly lessons at five different levels!
Volunteers shared with us some of their favorite memories and why they enjoy teaching:
“I truly enjoyed seeing Maria reach her goal and pass her Social Studies GED exam. It's exciting to be a part of the journey and see her succeed.”
“My favorite memory from teaching class was when Rebecca gave her presentation, I was very proud of her!”
“My favorite memory teaching was definitely getting to see Sam’s confidence grow!!!”
“My favorite memory was when we talked about Matthew McConaughey and they did not understand and truly believed he was my boyfriend.”
“My students are so delightful, it's hard to pick a favorite moment. But I must admit that this morning when we were working on letter/word sounds and the students came up with sentences, which I typed on the screen and they copied and read, Hamida and Rosalina had such smiles of accomplishment, it was heart-warming.”
“Seeing the students’ sense of humor come out”
“Seeing the students gain confidence!”
“The feeling when the students ‘get it’!”
Some of our staff also shared with us what they got out of the class:
“Thank you so much for giving me this such a great opportunity. I am very appreciative of your care and kindness.”
“Thank you so much for finding such a great teacher for me. I am so glad that you are here to help us MRC team members to improve their English and to learn what we need to know.”
We appreciate our volunteers as they continue to help our staff gain confidence in their English skills and are excited to see how much they will continue to grow!