Literacy Connexus offers training and support to literacy programs throughout Texas. Most prevalent among churches and faith-based organizations are English as a Second Language (ESL) classes provided as community outreach ministries. Here, adult students learn English, and at the same time, have the opportunity to form relationships with those who serve them. In addition to ESL teacher training, support for adult literacy education, including GED preparation and tutoring, is available to both church- and community-based programs.
ESL
According to the 2010 census, the Hispanic population in Texas grew at a rate of 41.8 percent over the past ten year period, compared with an overall state population increase of 20.6 percent. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin make up 37.6 percent of the state’s population, and the numbers continue to rise. Additionally, Texas is home to immigrants, refugees, and internationals from every continent. According to the 2010 statistics, two of every three public school children in the Lone Star State are minorities.
It is a goal of Literacy Connexus to help people understand and appreciate the richness that diversity brings to Texas, and to see every person as an opportunity to show the love of Christ. ESL ministry often provides a natural setting for this to happen.
Every ESL ministry is unique; programs include a spectrum of classes including language, citizenship, computer, crafts, and family activities. Many ministries include youth tutoring and programs for children. They are held at churches, schools, and community centers, and they meet at various times and days of the week.
There is now a Google Group forum specifically for ESL ministry workers – Literacy ConneXus ESL. Only members of the group are allowed to post. If you are interested in joining our online ESL community, please contact info@literacyconnexus.org to become a member of the forum.
Literacy Connexus offers a checklist for starting an ESL ministry. This 20-step checklist is intended to help churches develop their individual programs. Contact Robin Feistel for additional information.
Teaching English with Excellence (TEX) is an overview of training for new teachers in faith-based ESL ministries. This training prepares volunteers who have not had formal training or experience, and do not speak the language(s) of their students, to teach English to international adults. The main criterion for prospective teachers is a willingness to be trained to help foreign language speakers in the name of Jesus Christ.
Check News & Events for upcoming TEX training opportunities. Training events will also be announced in the semi-monthly Literacy Connexus Newsletter. Check these resources, also, for regional and state ESL conferences held periodically to provide additional training to experienced ESL teachers and directors.
Refer to the Texas Center for the Advancement of Literacy and Learning (TCALL) for a directory of literacy providers throughout Texas for existing ESL programs.
Contact Lester Meriwether, Executive Director, for more information: lester@literacyconnexus.org.
Adult Literacy Education
Adult literacy education was revolutionized in 1930 by Frank C. Laubach, missionary to the Moro people of the Philippines. Laubach’s Each One Teach One literacy campaign stimulated an evangelistic harvest among the Moros, and a literacy education movement that continues to this day. Known as the Apostle to the Illiterates, Laubach viewed literacy education as an extension of his Christianity, and believed that God had opened a door for this work which no man could close.
Literacy Connexus is proud of its heritage and seeks to fulfill Laubach’s vision of mobilizing the Christian church to lead the crusade for literacy education. We have training and support available for churches desiring to implement literacy missions ministry, and guidance for using the Bible in literacy instruction.
Refer to the Texas Center for the Advancement of Literacy and Learning (TCALL) for a directory of literacy providers throughout Texas.
Contact Lester Meriwether, Executive Director, for more information: lester@literacyconnexus.org.