We recently donated some of our books to Puentes de Salud, based in Philadelphia in the US, where our resources are being used to support immigrant and refugee populations. In this post we find out more about how our books are supporting these communities.
Puentes de Salud is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the health and wellness of Philadelphia’s rapidly growing Latinx immigrant population through high-quality healthcare, innovative educational programs and community building. Recognizing the significant language barriers faced by the Spanish-speaking communities we serve, we are launching a Pilot ESL course. This accessible course will be held on-site at Puentes de Salud, a familiar and convenient location for our community members. The course is entirely free of charge, and all necessary materials will be provided at no cost. Additionally, enrollment in this course does not require any documentation.
What challenges do these populations face?
- Language Barriers: Accessing employment, healthcare and educational opportunities is extremely challenging for Spanish-speaking individuals.
- Economic Hardships: Many of the people we serve live below the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), with a significant number in deep poverty. This economic hardship often forces them to prioritize immediate financial needs over learning English.
- Lack of Documentation: The majority of our community members lack the necessary documentation (such as ID, proof of income or proof of address) typically required for enrollment in other ESL programs.
- Transportation Issues: Transportation is a significant barrier to accessing ESL programs. Many existing programs are located in parts of the city that are not easily accessible to our population.
- Technological Barriers: Access to technology and digital literacy are additional challenges. Many hybrid or virtual ESL classes are not feasible for our community members because they lack the necessary equipment, internet connection, or technology skills needed for online learning.
How will these classes use the books?
Our ESL instructor will be using these books to enhance their teaching practices. We believe that these books will provide a comprehensive toolkit to foster an inclusive, equitable and reflective teaching environment. By addressing the complexities of multilingualism, the importance of fair and supportive assessment, the value of reflective practice, and the imperative to combat racism in language education, these resources are crucial. We anticipate that incorporating these insights into our courses will significantly improve our students’ learning experiences and outcomes.
You can find out more about Puentes de Salud on their website: https://www.puentesdesalud.org/
Channel View Publications and Multilingual Matters 