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ESL classes in Atlanta also boost cross-cultural savvy
Business cards in hand, students practice "power networking" during classes designed to boost their English language skills and develop their cross-cultural savvy.
Photo: Julie Turlington
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Classes funded by the American Baptist Churches USA* (ABCUSA) over the past six months helped refugees resettling in Atlanta, Georgia, both to learn English and to develop cross-cultural savvy.
More than 30 refugees resettled by RRISA (Refugee Resettlement & Immigration Services of Atlanta) attended regularly. They were from a diverse array of countries, including Burundi, Russia, Burma, Iran, and Cuba.
"Our teacher was so special and the classes were really wonderful," said Mulkiye Naydimova, a recent Meskhetian Turk arrival from Russia. Both Mulkiye and her husband Sabir attended the twice weekly classes. The ABCUSA grant enabled RRISA, which also sends students to a local technical school for ESL, to offer classes at refugees' apartment complex.
Julie Turlington, class instructor, developed a "two-level" system in which beginners met for an hour, then were joined by more advanced students for half an hour of conversation practice. Then the beginners left and the advanced students had class.
The beginners' class focused on basic communication skills. They learned about places in the community, such as the bank, the pharmacy, and different places to shop for groceries. They also discussed money and things like paying bills and getting a job in the United States.
The intermediate class took on issues such as getting a driver’s license, job interview skills, and American culture. Class members also discussed everyday issues, such as elections and being involved in the school Parent-Teacher Association (PTA).
All of the students had an opportunity to practice their English skills with the other students in the class since English is now their common language. Although many of the students have been in the United States for only a few months, most have started jobs and are able to use their English skills in their new work environment.
The students ranged in age from 16 to 61 and the class has helped to build a community among the different cultures. Now friends will see each other at the mailbox or teenagers will share their bikes even though their old homelands and cultures are worlds apart.
Many of the students found their first job in the United States while attending classes and there is now a study group that meets Saturdays, which is when some of the students have a day off.
* ABCUSA National Ministries, using One Great Hour of Sharing funds
By Leanne Rubenstein, RRISA
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