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LOCALLY SOURCED

A conversation with Mary Cerutti, education director for World Relief

Noticeably absent from College Church this fall is World Relief’s ESL classes. Mary took the time to answer our questions about ESL and how the pandemic affected them early on and continues to do so.

When the stay-at-home order went into place in March, how did it affect World Relief? What did it mean for the students who were registered?

When the stay-at-home order went into effect, World Relief was only able to provide life- sustaining services so that meant classes could not meet. Initially, teachers kept in contact with students through phone calls and texts to explain the protocols that were put in place related to the virus, to address students’ concerns and to assure students that classes would resume. Students who were registered were allowed to continue in their classes. The teachers worked with students on Zoom and WhatsApp. Because the in-person classes closed so quickly, some of the teachers did not have time to prepare the students with the digital literacy skills needed to move online.

Your teachers are so excellent in the classroom and the teaching so hands-on, what were some of the challenges in moving online?

We were able to move our classes online for most students. Our greatest challenge was with our lowest level students who do not have the digital literacy skills needed to connect virtually or do not have the literacy and English skills to adjust to the changes. We also have a few students who are only interested in in-person classes. We were also able to connect with the early childhood program participants. The early childhood teachers created videos that were sent to families on WhatsApp. At the end of May, a package with a child’s mask and a note from the teacher was sent to each child. We were able to provide programs for children during the time away from in-person classes.

How will ESL look this year? For the teachers? For the students?

Currently we are only offering virtual classes. Unfortunately, that has meant that our lowest level class, referred to as Gateway, will not be meeting until later in the year. The Gateway students need in-person instruction to support their English and digital literacy skills. We hope to be able to run a hybrid class with them later in the year. Virtual classes are being held over Zoom and other online tools. In addition, World Relief received a grant to purchase an online curriculum and Chrome books to support our students. The curriculum has been piloted with the summer classes.

Any idea of when classes resume?

Over the summer we have had one virtual ESL class that usually meets at College Church and a Saturday morning virtual class that meets in West Chicago. We are currently recruiting, registering and testing new students to begin in September. We hope to be able to hold three virtual classes that formally met at College Church. Right now, our numbers are lower than usual for classes, but we hope that will change as the year progresses.

Are you anticipating fewer classrooms because of COVID protocols and the cap on refugees allowed into this country?

Both the COVID protocols and the cap on refugees have affected the number of students in our classes. We know there are many immigrants who need assistance with English, and we are trying to find creative ways to connect with them.

If you had one main message to communicate to ESL students right now, what would it be?

World Relief is doing all we can to support students in learning English. While virtual learning may be challenging and difficult, we are here to support them. We firmly believe that ESL students can benefit from the virtual classes, and we want to help them in this process.

Likewise, what one message would you like the people of College Church to hear?

Thank you for your continued support and thank you for your patience as we have tried to navigate these challenging times. We appreciate your flexibility and ongoing communication during this time. Please continue to pray for the ESL program and that we can effectively recruit and engage students in learning English.

Finally, what are some practical ways we can help World Relief and become more involved with our refugee neighbors? Your prayers, your volunteers and your financial support are all needed and greatly appreciated.

About the Author | Mary Cerutti An experienced and creative ESL teacher, Mary Cerutti is the educational director of the adult ESL program. Mary has a master's degree in TESOL (teaching English to speakers of other languages) from Wheaton College.

About the Author | Mary Cerutti

An experienced and creative ESL teacher, Mary Cerutti is the educational director of the adult ESL program. Mary has a master's degree in TESOL (teaching English to speakers of other languages) from Wheaton College.