This church has been offering free classes to immigrants, to help them learn English and learn more about living here. DP
By Antonio Prado, Community News
Brandywine Hundred, Del. — Local immigrants and foreign nationals who want to improve their English can find help at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Brandywine Hundred.
For the last eight years, Aldersgate has offered free English classes that range from beginner to advanced once a week as part of its outreach ministry, said Renate Muendel, one of the teachers. The program also helps them become more comfortable with American people and culture.
The students are from all over the world and include people from Latin America, Europe and the Middle East, Muendel said. Depending on work schedules and personal situations, the church off Concord Pike has a half dozen to 10 students attending classes.
Muendel came to the U.S. more than 40 years ago from Germany and understands what the students are going through. She has been a member of Aldersgate since she came to Wilmington.
“I really feel at some point one should pay back for all the favors and support that one has received,” said Muendel, a former English professor at West Chester University. “And there’s an enormous feeling of gratification as one sees people becoming more comfortable with the English language. And they are so hard working, honest and eager. For a teacher, that’s marvelous.”
Be sure to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
No comments:
Post a Comment