Mr. and Mrs. Francois have been in the States for only six months but were eager to learn English, as they spoke only Haitian Creole and French. Their main goal was to understand the English language and further their education, but that wasn’t their only reason for migrating. “Family. My children,” said Mrs. Francois, and Mr. Francois nodded in agreement.
Although their vocabulary was limited, they were easily understood, especially when Mrs. Francois spoke about her teacher, Cadence Berns. “I like the teacher; she’s very nice. Very patient with me!”
“Our instructors are often the first point of contact for many immigrants, so we understand the importance of creating a safe environment for them as they navigate their new life here, which can be a daunting endeavor, especially with little to no English language skills,” stated ESL Coordinator Berns.
ESL programs are crucial. As the cultural landscape of our nation constantly evolves, ESL should be an integrated part of our education system. There are many others like Mr. and Mrs. Francois, and Goodwill’s Helms Academy is here to change the lives of each individual who walks through our doors.
