English as a Second Language (ESL) Program
ESL teachers work closely with case-workers and job developers to create daily lesson plans that help newly arrived refugees secure early employment and perform the daily tasks necessary for their family's well-being.
IRC's ESL classes further include such topics as:
- Resolving housing problems
- Calling 911 for health-related emergencies
- Completing basic forms such as job applications
- Excusing their child's absence from school
- Accessing community resources such as the bank and post office
- Using public transportation
- Classes are offered in both the day and evening to accommodate all work schedules, thus allowing a refugee to accept the first job offered to him or her, while continuing to receive ESL instruction. These classes serve an average of 500 refugees each year.
Computer Classes
Many refugees arrive with professional backgrounds and a high level of English. Many have hopes of re-entering their professional field, but find their ambitions frustrated by a lack of basic computer proficiency or knowledge. Additionally, many refugees arrive without computer familiarity and find daily tasks intimidating because of America 's reliance on modern technology.
Students learn basic computer skills in the following:
- Typing
- Word Processing
- Using the Web and Email
All of IRC's students have access to the computer lab of 12 networked computers, each with internet access, as well as GED and skill development software.
First Things First: A Women & Children's Program
As the primary care-givers to their young children, many refugee women do not have access to pre-employment English as a Second Language classes due to significant child-care and transportation barriers.
The First Things First program allows women to attend ESL classes while their children participate in a structured and educational day care program. The program also provides van service and infant care to give a greater number of women access to the class.
The ESL class focuses on both pre-employment ESL and parenting skills. For one hour each day, the program has built-in interaction between mothers and children to teach mothers activities they can do with their children to help them learn English and be prepared for American pre-school and kindergarten environments.
