Come and help out with tutoring for recently resettled refugee students. Friday afternoon 4:00 to 6:00.

There are always people arriving in Columbia whose first language is not English. Imagine how overwhelming it can be to adjust to a new culture and environment when the language you have relied on all your life just doesn’t apply! One way to serve our community is to extend a friendly welcome through English as a Second Language (ESL) classes.

In 2016 we began cooperating with Lutheran Services Carolinas, a refugee resettlement agency, to host ESL classes for Syrian families at Arsenal Hill Presbyterian Church. More recently we have had the joy of welcoming families from Iraq, the Congo, Vietnam, and Turkey as well. Our classes are by invitation and are held on Sunday afternoons. We have also really enjoyed hosting some other events, like international potluck dinners, and will do this from time to time.

Our first term 2020 ESL classes are scheduled for the following times:

Sunday, February 2, 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Sunday, February 9, 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Sunday, February 23, 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Sunday, March 1, 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Sunday, March 15, 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Sunday, March 22, 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Sunday, March 29, 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Sunday, April 5, 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Sunday, April 19, 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Sunday, April 26, 4:00-6:00 p.m.

We may substitute a picnic or other event for one or more of the above class times.

We have been so blessed by getting to know our international friends, and we look forward to our continuing interaction with them. Without the loving sacrifice of volunteers it is impossible to have the classes, transportation to and from our church, hospitality, childcare, visits to our friends’ homes, and the friendships that result.

Maybe you can join us as a volunteer! Or if you are an international in need of improving your English, we welcome you too!

Please fill out the brief contact form below if you would like more information on getting involved as a student, as an ESL teacher, or in another service role within our program.