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A VICTORIA woman is starting her second year of ESL
classes, offering them from her home. The course is sponsored by Gateway
Baptist Church.
Marti Lembke toldBCCN the idea came to her as a means of evangelism.
“When my husband and I lived in Poland as
missionaries, we used teaching English as a second language as a way to
reach out to our neighbours, build relationships and share the
gospel.”
They returned to Victoria in 2007, and presented
the concept to Gateway Baptist leaders. The program was accepted, and began
in the spring of 2008.
“We had two students who came twice a week. One
lesson was a full ESL lesson, following a curriculum and taught by a
qualified ESL teacher. The second meeting was for conversation led by
people from the church.
“The purpose of that meeting was two-fold: to
help the students use the language they were acquiring with native
speakers; and secondly, to build relationships.”
Lembke pronounced herself happy with the results.
“We are thrilled that, because of those meetings, one of the students
is attending the church and is involved in a Bible study.”
Her overall goal, she said, “is to offer classes
at times that suit the student's needs, at a minimal cost so that no one is
excluded – but with quality teaching, so the students have an easier
time coping with everyday living situations.”
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The classes are free; however, students need to
purchase a curriculum book. Lembke also offers extra activities, such as
day trips, to acquaint the students with their surroundings.
“This is done as a gift to the community,”
she said, “to help our new Canadians settle in and feel more
comfortable with the language.”
The spring session begins May 4; classes are held on
Monday evenings, for eight weeks. Call: 250-294-5354
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DFD
May 2009
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