Last month I started volunteering in an ESL (English as a Second Language) class at the Emily Griffith Technical College in Denver. This morning I left home at 6:15 to catch the bus from Boulder and enjoyed another beautiful sunrise on the way.
The school was founded in 1916 by Emily Griffith, and was originally called the Opportunity School (the name recently changed).
Her vision was to offer affordable education to anyone who wanted to improve themselves, and this mission is still the cornerstone of the college.
More information about the history of the school can be found here.
The school offers over 40 certificate programs and has the largest English language learning program in the state. More than 3000 English language learners are enrolled each year.
The ESL program has two branches serving the needs of immigrants and refugees. I’m volunteering with the refugees in the CRESL Program (Colorado Refugee English as a Second Language). It has already been incredibly rewarding and humbling. The students are struggling to learn English, find jobs and take care of their families after having escaped from harrowing circumstances in their home country. The class in which I’m volunteering has students from Mexico, Afghanistan, Eritrea, Congo, Nepal, Bhutan and Russia, as well as several others I have not identified yet. Altogether, the ESL program serves students from over 50 countries.
Some buildings have been added, but the original school is still located where it was first established in downtown Denver. Across the street is the more modern, Colorado Convention Center.
The Blue Bear keeps an eye on things from the outside and is a famous landmark. The Bear (40 ft. high) was created by Lawrence Argent and was installed in 2005. It is actually called, “I See What You Mean.” I think I do.
Like this:
Be the first to like this post.
When I was working at UC San Diego I had a number of patients who fled in terror from their countries. A bank president from Tehran. A physician from Afghanistan. Laotian boat people. We have it so good here.
At my church, Pantego Bible Church, we have an African church comprised of people who fled Congo, Berundi and Rowanda. All lost family members at the hands of terrorists. these people are learning English too. Their’s is a journey of hurt and hope, fear and faith. Amazing people who are a testimony to the will to live and a faithful God.
I am so glad you are doing this.
Yes, it’s a privilege to be part of the lives of people who have to start completely over. I want to make the few hours I have with the students as enjoyable and productive as possible.