by Elif Erdem, Volunteer Editor

The SASS ESOL (English as a Second or Other Language) Classes Project aims to provide learners with essential language skills through covering areas such as grammar, reading, speaking, listening and punctuation to be able to properly communicate in English. The Project is reaching 40 people each week. SASS is running 8 classes at the moment, two at beginner level, two intermediate, and three at advanced level. There is also one group especially made for women. 

There will be some exciting developments soon. A new advanced group will be starting, and 2 new volunteer teachers are about to join the team. Currently, there are 8 volunteer teachers, who meet every Friday to discuss what they can do more for learners, to share their teaching experiences, and to find solutions to any issues they face together.

A snapshot from the ESOL teaching team, February 2021

We spoke to some of the learners about their experiences. Lily, an advanced level learner said: ‘Their classes are really good. I mean the teacher George is really a real gentleman, approachable and supportive. I wanna say thanks for their help.’ In the same class, a Syrian learner agreed: ‘The classes are a space for learning, meeting friends and improving our English. The teachers are really helpful and cooperative, devoting much of their time to answering our questions.’ An intermediate level learner from Turkey said, ‘the teacher is well-prepared for classes and really experienced about teaching skills, arrange his speech according to our level and we can easily understand the classes.” Kristina from Russia expressed her thanks: ‘I’d like to say a big thanks to SASS and especially to George the teacher for English classes they provide. It’s a big pleasure to meet our group every week. These lessons not only improve my English but also help me to overcome the isolation. Thank you.” These are sentiments echoed by Yonatan and many others.