Hands Across The World

Using English as a second language techniques (ESL) we provide a classroom environment to educate parents and children in their first attempt at acquiring English language skills. The Hands Across the World program is based on the principles of natural language acquisition. The first step involves listening comprehension where students respond physically to verbal instructions. In later stages, we work on teaching the four communication skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. In addition to the ESL classes, we are offering citizenship classes, sewing classes, food health classes involving cooking and field trips, and pre-training workshops on entry level requirements to obtain jobs in the State of Minnesota.

We serve families from many different cultures and ethnic backgrounds who have newly arrived in Central Minnesota. We provide early childhood education by a licensed teacher for children aged 6 mo. to 3 years while their parents are in class. This project emphasizes cultural diversity, bonding and new friendships, self sufficiency and welcoming new citizens to our community.

.

Mission Statement For Hands Across the World: We provide the first learning opportunity to newly arrived immigrants who do not have language or living skills necessary to thrive in our community. In a classroom environment we help both children and parents acquire the tools needed to become an integrated citizen of Central Minnesota. Through this work we look to to promote the unity of families living in a new country.

The ESL program for adults and children began at the end of October 2003. At the beginning of 2004, there were 32 students: 2 from South America, 10 from Central America and Mexico, 25 from Somalia, 3 from Sudan, and 2 from Kenya. The childcare program was serving 15 children, infants to 5 years of age. In one year the program has serving 130 students. From 2004 to 2010 the program has served 1,320 families.