Published March 5, 2010
By Annagrisel Alvarez, tú Decides Correspondent
ESL English as a Second Language program is available for everybody through Columbia Basin College (CBC) all over the Tri-Cities. The Kennewick location has been offering its services for almost 15 years through many different public schools. These programs are also offered in Benton City, Connell, among others.
I have been doing this for 12 years already, and the program has been giving its services for almost 30 years. We are providing services for the people who come to this country; and learning the language is the first step for them, said Stojanka Gusic, adjunct instructor of ESL.
This program is in the Basic Skills department of CBC. The courses are running morning, afternoon, and evenings three or four days a week, depending on the class. Full quarters are available. Usually there are three quarters of 11 weeks, and the summer quarter is shorter so it runs just eight weeks.
The main purpose of these programs is to help foreigners learn the language of the country they are living in. Personal situations are different, but the main point is that communication is important and having an opportunity to continue education is vital.
The classes are available for people any age between 18 to as old as they feel that they can learn and have fun, Stojanka said smiling. A full quarter is $25, the students sign a contract and they are obligated to go to all the classes or call if they are not able to go. The waiting list is long.
Stojanka mentioned: I just love it! This is a program that really helps the community. Thats why we connected them in cooperation with schools because schools talk to the parents of the students and provide the classrooms. So their cooperation in the schools of the Pasco and Kennewick area is really wonderful.
I think that no matter the age, its very beneficial for parents or anyone that wants to learn, it is very valuable even for their own self-esteem. Just being able to communicate and then find a job, grow up and want to be out of the fields, any job is honorable but there are better opportunities with a further education, said Isabel Barrón, ESL instructor.
There are other classes for people that werent educated in their country and need help with their learning and computer skills. They also offer programs that prepare students for their careers and these classes are provided in six levels. GED classes are also available. A lot of changes can be done in the community, but it also takes a lot of courage and the desire to pursue something in your life. You can take the risk and start from the beginning; its never too late to learn.
For more information please visit: www.columbiabasin.edu