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English as a Second Language

Sisters Bea Baker and Maisie Lufkin lead beginning and intermediate English classes for women four days a week.

Supported by volunteers working with smaller groups, Baker and Lufkin spend two years bringing students with little or no English up to an intermediate level, meanwhile helping to relieve some of the stress and isolation common among newer immigrant mothers. During the school year, classes meet four mornings per week, from 9am until 12pm.

The ESL program has been running for well over 10 years and has recently incorporated computers and Microsoft Word training as part of its curriculum. In the future, we hope to purchase interactive software which would expand the availability of training to people who work during the day.

Quotes from students:

I was having migraines and now I don't have them so often.

I didn't have any friends and now I do.

I can now talk to the doctor when my daughter is sick, or talk to the teacher at school.

I will always remember the parties and celebrations we have had.

We help each other and talk about our families.

One Student's Story

The following is an e-mail that ESL Teacher Sr. Bea got from a former student. The student, Juana, acquired a second-hand computer and has been working very hard to set it up in her home, struggling to overcome the obstacles. It’s an old model and it’s not compatible with the new printers and software. Even though it’s been a big challenge, Juana is progressing and is determined to improve her skills and knowledge of the computer. Every time she succeeds, she gets excited. Juana is grateful to the Little Sisters Family Health Service for getting her started on computers.

"Hi Sister Bea. How are you? I want to tell you that I think I have installed the Internet! I’m not sure because I couldn’t understand everything. First I put in one e-mail address and I couldn’t get it to work. Then, I tried another and I could do it. I sent in the money-order on Friday and today I’ll try and use the e-mail. I feel very excited because I can write. Do you remember when you taught us to write on the computer? I’m not very good yet. I don’t know how to use the letters, accents, and periods but I am going to try to write and improve. Thank you for your help and understanding. See you tomorrow."