February 2000
?Habla Espanol?
LANGUAGE - OUR MOST VITAL RESOURCE
There have been many inquiries from people in business and industry in Plymouth for classes in Spanish conversation for their employees. Their desire is to be able to serve the Hispanic community, but the language barrier makes it difficult. Frustration is high because neither the customer nor the employee is being understood. The potential ramifications can be positively influenced for business progress with regards to this growing segment of our population as communication is enhanced.
Spanish classes are being offered at Ancilla College and IUSB. However, these classes do not seem to meet the needs of the employers here in Plymouth.
There are several possible solutions:
Hold Spanish conversation classes at the work-site and tailor the classes to meet the needs of the individual business or industry.
Offer Spanish conversation classes in the evenings through the Plymouth High School or the Adult Education Program.
Hold Spanish conversation classes at one site, sponsored by several cooperating businesses or industries.
Of course, funding for these classes is always the number one concern. Who will pay for the teacher? When and where will the classes be held? Who will pay for books and resources?
The purpose of this article is to challenge the Marshall County businesses and industries to participate in the solution to providing this service, for the Hispanic community and for your employees.
The Plymouth Adult Basic Education Program is willing to work with employers to meet this challenge. What do you have to offer? What are your ideas? Are there other solutions? Would a survey of needs be helpful? What are you willing to contribute?
Requests are made every day at the Plymouth Public Library and the Plymouth Adult Basic Education Program for classes in English Literacy. These non-native speakers are very anxious to learn the English language. These new members of our community really want to learn to read, write and speak our language. Currently, there are 50 to 60 adults attending English Literacy classes or being tutored by volunteers through the Adult Basic Education Program. While they are in the process of learning English, we can be in the process of learning Spanish. Active participation will lead to a win-win situation.
Please send your thoughts and responses about this article to your Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce, 120 N. Michigan St., Plymouth. If the Adult Education Program can be of service, please contact Marda Dewey, Program Coordinator, at 936-7268. Thank you for your input . . . together we can make a difference!
|
|
