This content was originally published by the Longmont Observer and is licensed under a Creative Commons license.
We believe that Longmont is safer and more prosperous when everyone can communicate! More than 1,300 immigrants in Longmont have worked to improve their lives with Intercambio’s English classes. Each week, our home teachers help adult immigrants learn and practice the skills they need to find better jobs, communicate with their children's teachers, and be involved in the community. Your support can enable 27 adults to participate in our home classes and gain the skills to transform their families’ lives.
Both recent immigrants and long-term residents can be isolated by language and cultural barriers. Learning English, understanding cultural norms and forming personal connections helps immigrants to change their lives— and the lives of their families—for years to come. Learning English is essential, but immigrants also need the confidence to make mistakes while practicing English. English classes in the immigrant’s home help to build confidence for students who are not comfortable in a class setting, especially for those with limited formal education. These home classes, taught by community volunteers trained and supported by Intercambio staff, are also helpful for working parents and those with transportation barriers or difficult work schedules.
All Intercambio students use our “Interactive English” curriculum, designed to meet the specific needs of adult immigrants for real life skills and knowledge, including employment and job search preparation, financial literacy, cultural skills, housing, health, transportation, US laws and police, and participating in the school system.
A recent survey of our students showed that after attending an average of 8 terms of English classes, immigrants earned more money, were involved in their children’s education, and felt confident speaking English in the community. This helps all of Longmont to be a more cohesive, connected community! Our home classes especially promote cross-cultural connections as immigrants and native-born volunteers build personal connections and friendships during months and even years of working together.
There are currently 27 students on the waiting list to be matched with a home teacher in Longmont.
Donations to this campaign will support immigrants learning English in Longmont, and you can also visit intercambio.org/volunteer to learn more about how you can help.
- $10 purchases a book for a student studying English in Longmont;
- $25 is a scholarship for one immigrant student’s English class fee;
- $100 trains a Longmont community volunteer to teach English; and
- $250 pays all of Intercambio’s costs to provide one term of classes for a home student.
About the Live & Give Program:
Help shape Longmont’s future in a single day.
On September 26th, Live & Give Longmont brings our community together for 24 hours of generosity. With everyone in the community giving whatever they can, we hope to raise start up funds for a few projects in our community. It’s about working together to accentuate the place we love—so it will continue to thrive today and for generations to come.
