English tutoring workshop Saturday

Staff Reports

Americorps hosts a free workshop to train English as a second language tutors, 2-4 p.m. Saturday, at the Douglas County Public Library in Minden.

There is no need to speak a foreign language, and no experience is necessary. All materials will be provided.

The nonprofit ESL In-Home Program of Northern Nevada pairs trained community volunteers with students. Tutors provide one-on-one instruction in the students' homes at no cost. There are 115 adults on a waiting list.

Florence Phillips, executive director of the ESL In-Home Program, started a home-based tutoring program in Carson City five years ago to teach people to speak, read and write in English.

"Given that the Hispanic population is our country's largest minority group, it is not surprising that we see a strong demand for ESL services in our community," said Phillips. "By helping Spanish-speaking adults gain English language skills, our community benefits with a stronger workforce and residents who now have the opportunity to work toward their high school equivalency education."

The program works for people who cannot afford to pay for classes or who cannot meet the schedule provided by traditional classes.

Information, Florence Phillips, 888-2021, or eslinhomenv@aol.com