These people know English fluency is necessary before immigrants can be fully assimilated. And now they are helping their community learn English. - - Donna Poisl
by Jane Newton
Galenians Connie Basso and Janet Post saw a need for English as a Second Language (ESL) classes in the community while working at the United Churches' Clothes Closet on Main Street.
Post, a former ESL teacher at Highland Community College, greeted a former student of hers who walked into the store. She hadn't seen this student in awhile because ESL classes had been canceled due to funding cuts at the college.
"He asked me when classes were going to start again," said Post.
Post didn't have an answer for him. She was willing to teach again, she just needed a place to do it. Basso thought that St. Michael's Catholic Church should provide ESL classes as part of the Hispanic Ministry at the church.
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This country was built by immigrants, it will continue to attract and need immigrants. Some people think there are enough people here now -- people have been saying this since the 1700s and it still is not true. They are needed to make up for our aging population and low birthrate. Immigrants often are entrepreneurs, creating jobs. We must help them become Americans and not just people who live here and think of themselves as visitors. When immigrants succeed here, the whole country benefits.
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