ESOL stands for English Speakers of other languages AKA as ESL, English as a Second Language.
New Zealand has three official languages, English, Maori and Sign language. The working language is English. In the ESOL classes in my church, we have students ranging from new immigrants to tourists. I teach one of the classes on Wednesday. In as much as they learn from me, I learn much from them too.
One day, I was shopping at an immigrant run shop, a young man in overalls came in all flustered. The shop assistant gave him a yellow pages but she couldn't help him. I wasn't exactly eaves dropping, but I could see he was really desperate. I asked them in their language if I could help.
It turned out he had lost his wallet, and he had been to the police to report his lost. He needed to call the Public library. Without any English, he couldn't find the telephone number and even after I found it for him, he couldn't ring, because he couldn't speak in English. I rang up for him and spoke for him.
He was so grateful that I had helped him. I told him, it was no trouble at all.
Later, I wish I had told him about the ESOL class I was teaching. There are probably lots of people who can't speak English and can be helped by going to language classes. Now, I keep some brochures in my bag. They could be handy, one never knows.
The photo shows Diane Russell, the co-ordinator of the ESOl classes, interviewing our student Marcelo from Brazil.
A picture speaks a thousand words, I showed the photos in my camera to my students in school.
An Ethiopian kid told me," He's from Brazil."
I asked," How did you know?"
"I just know." Then he said," I know the flag."
3 comments:
Ann, you are such a good person you always help others if you can. But does it not give pleasure to help the ones in need. It is like with presents, I always told my children to give and to share is as pleasant as to receive.
I am sure the person was very happy to get help from you.
You know Ann,, I can always tell by your sweet post that you have an amazing heart and this just confirms it. How wonderful it was to help this young one out so!!
That makes you sooooo special :)
I can't wait to see your Friday Shoot-Out pics and I will have your shirt in the mail to you by the end of the week. Apologies that it has taken me a bit......I have been slammed with catering this week (and I'm certainly not complaining about that. Love the business!!).
Take good care and........
Steady On
Reggie Girl
Hi Reggie girl,
(Am having trouble posting to your site again.)
This is in response to your post with the photo of Jesus.
Jesus loves me this I know,
The first bible song I learnt in Methodist school. Now my husband listens to Gather, and they sing it to a different tune. But nothing beats the original tune we are so familiar with.
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