E-S-L Spells "Persistence" - Born in Haiti near the border with the Dominican Republic, the two Haitian refugees grew up speaking Creole, French, and Spanish. After the earthquake that devastated Haiti in 2012, the refugees migrated to Brazil in search of work and a stable life. There they learned Portuguese. When political and economic conditions in Brazil made life too difficult, they sought refuge in the United States. Now through the Migrant Ministry’s ESL program, they are learning their fifth language.

The migrants’ persistence in seeking a better life and learning English as a key tool is inspiring for the volunteer tutors. The program itself models this persistence, constantly adapting to changing conditions starting with informal classes held outside the Austin police station when the migrants were still living there. The program has moved with the Migrant Ministry’s different locations, even holding class in the Saint Edmund sacristy when the Saint Edmund School building was closed.

ESL is currently offered on Tuesday mornings at Saint Bernardine’s during Ministry hours. Eleven students and eight tutors work in small groups. The students and teachers enjoy a warm and respectful relationship, with a lot of laughing heard around the room and participants entering and leaving with smiles on their faces.

Thank you for making our work possible! PLEASE COME TO OUR FUNDRAISER ON JUNE 4 AT ROBERT’S WESTSIDE.

Lightweight clothing, shoes, jackets, and bedding donations are accepted on Monday mornings from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM at the former Saint Bernardine School, 815 Elgin in Forest Park.

WE WILL BE CLOSED FOR DONATIONS ON MEMORIAL DAY.

Email us at [email protected] with any questions or comments.