Young People and Adults Learning English in Community Technology Centers

Young People and Adults Learning English in Community Technology Centers
San Cristobal, Dominican Republic7/9/2012

The English Immersion Program began in 2008 at the Miches and Sabana de la Mar Community Technology Centers (CTC in Spanish). In 2011 the program extended to GuayaboDulce, Peralvillo, Comendador, Navarrete andCastañuelas. This year, 16 CTCs are now involved in the program.

In those places where the program has been implemented, the results have been beyond the expectations of the young students who have found job opportunities in their communities.

In this day and age, being up to date on learning and acquiring new knowledge has an immense added value. Among of the most important things to learn are new languages as a way to open doors to other cultures. At the moment, English is the most utilized language in the world as a first and second language. It is estimated that in less than a decade, English will be spoken by some 3 billion people, half the world’s population.

The Community Technology Centers have become spaces where residents in outlying communities in the DR can learn through the English Immersion Program under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology (MECYT in Spanish) which enables hundreds of Dominicans to benefit from these free courses.

The program is now ongoing in 16 communities: Villa Mella, Boca Chica, Castañuelas, Favidrio, El Seibo, Nigua, El Limón, La Victoria, El Cedro, Navarrete, Peralvillo, GuayaboDulce, Sabana de la Mar, Comendador, Michesand San Víctor. There are a total of 954 students currently participating.

In those places where the program has been implemented, the results have been beyond the expectations of the young students who have found job opportunities in their communities.

In the first four years of the program, some 400 students from around the country have benefitted from the classes.

Testimonies

Many of the young graduates of the English Immersion Program felt their experience was positive. Domingo Drullar, fromSabana de Mar, said his course was an unforgettable experience that enabled him to relate to English-speakers from other cultures and gave him a chance to develop new projects.

“In my situation, I have had many opportunities to work but as I was accepted to the University of Utah, I decided to focus on finishing up my university semester here to then travel in June to perfect my English. I can now affirm with certainty that several job offers have come my way,” said Domingo.

Having completed the program, José Alberto Suarez, of Peralvillo in the province of Monte Plata, said he is much more confident in his grasp of professional English. “After a month in the English Immersion Program, I acquired the same level of English that took me a year-and-a-half before. “A friend currently in the program told me the same thing,” said José.

Whenever they can, participants in the program recommend it to their friends. In fact, the CTC in El Seibo had to schedule two course sessions in order to accommodate the high demand from young people and adults interested in learning English.

Laura Muñoz, resident of the Buena Vista Primera sector of Villa Mella, is taking English classes at the Community Technology Center in her area. After only three months, she is pleased with the course because she is already speaking English. “I am content and satisfied with what I have learned in these past three months because the teacher gives the classes in a dynamic and very fun way.”

This year it is estimated that around 360 young people who visit Community Technology Centers will receive certification from the English Immersion Programs, giving them access to more job opportunities and better sources of income.