Vienna Church's 32-Year English Learner Class Program To Be Celebrated

VIENNA, VA — For over three decades, Vienna Presbyterian Church has offered English for Speakers of Other Languages classes to help people of varying backgrounds learn English. But as offerings around the region have expanded, the church announced it will end its program.

The ESOL program started in 1992, has served thousands of people. Now, the church has decided to sunset the program, citing reasons including greater availability of ESOL classes in Northern Virginia.

Vienna Presbyterian Church's director of missions Sue Hamblen told Patch the program at its peak enrolled over 500 students from 52 counties. It provided nine levels of language instruction, as well as citizenship classes and optional Bible study for those who wanted to learn about the church's faith.

"I encounter people in and around Vienna who tell me that ‘VPC taught me to speak English,’" Hamblen shared. "Many are now in professional or service jobs and tell me they look back fondly at the experience."

Given Northern Virginia's diverse population, there is a need for ESOL classes for immigrants to adapt to everyday life. According to Hamblen, the demand for ESOL classes has especially expanded in the last few years with the arrival of many refugees.

"Thankfully, many non-profits and churches have developed programs and it is much easier to find classes in the area," Hamblen said. "Also, many now offer Zoom options, which is particularly helpful to the migrant community with many caring for children, no transportation, etc."

The church's citizenship classes will continue, as availability of these classes is not as common as ESOL classes, according to Hamblen. Last year, the church's citizenship classes helped 23 students receive their citizenship.

The church will host an ESOL celebration with an international potluck to celebrate the 32 years of its ESOL program. It hopes to get the word out to past ESOL students, teachers and other volunteers who have been part of the program. The program will happen at 7 p.m. on April 4 in Vienna Presbyterian Church's Fellowship Hall. Attendees are asked to bring a potluck dish to share. To share a story, provide talent or RSVP for the program, email [email protected].