English as a Second Language
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ESL (English as a Second Language) formerly known as ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) began at Second Baptist in September 1991. Since that time our program has been a cooperative mission effort with River Road Church, Baptist. Currently, the teaching staff includes members of a number of different Richmond area churches and faiths.
We concentrate on teaching conversational English so that the students may function better on the telephone, in the work place, and on a face to face basis with people they encounter.
In a given year, we have many nationalities represented. Some students are refugees, while other students are in the U.S. on work visas for a few months or years. Many of our students are here as exchange students with various area schools, including the Medical College of Virginia. We continue to see an increase in the number of au pares involved in our program, many of whom decide to remain in the U.S. when their contracts expire. With each person there is an opportunity to minister to their needs and express that we care about them because of Christ's love. Often lives are changed and enduring friendships are built.
Several students have progressed to college courses, becoming citizens, and even teaching English in our school. A congregation of Russian speaking Christians now meets at our church, in large measure because of the early beginnings of our ESL program. Also, a Brazilian congregation worships on our campus and several members of that group attend ESL.
Classes are held each Monday from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. and also Wednesday from 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. during the Henrico County Public Schools year. Every effort is made to limit classes to a maximum of eight students per classroom.
We offer child care on Monday nights to enable more people to participate. The schedule on Monday nights also includes a break-time when all students meet together for refreshments and viewing of items in the church's clothes closet.
Beginning, intermediate, and advanced classes are offered. In addition to English classes, we offer citizenship and TOEFL classes. conversation partners who work one-on-one with students are available.
We welcome interested people as teachers, substitutes, conversation partners, child care providers (or substitutes), to provide refreshments, computer training, etc. The opportunities to help are unlimited. The only requirement to work in the program is a desire to be of service to those who voluntarily come to our program in order to better themselves. Training classes for teaching conversational English are not necessary but are offered two or three times a year by various organizations throughout the area and state.
These photos show how the ESL ministry also provides assistance through our clothes closet and our children's minstry
If you would like to contribute in any aspect of ESL, contact Lee Bottoms or Pat Skammer. You may reach her through the church office or email to info@secondbaptistrichmond.org.
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