English for Underprivileged Students
The importance of fluency in the English language is more and more evident in the society, commerce, and employment fields of today. English language courses in public schools, however, are often a minimal part of the scholastic curriculum, and many low-income families are unable to afford extra-curricular language learning opportunities for their children. Due to lack of time or knowledge, they are also frequently unable to tutor their children in English themselves.
FISAT volunteers host a weekly English learning program at the Ping Deng Elementary school in Shilin district, Taipei city, for 3rd to 5th grade students from low income families. The classes combine interactive games, songs, reading, and English speaking practice.
Through this learning program, FISAT aims to not only help the children gain proficiency in English, but also to create a positive, supportive learning environment. To do this, volunteer teachers use teaching methods that boost students’ self-esteem, and encourage life skills and values such as initiative, communication, team-working, and helping others in need.
Some examples of students’ reactions at the end of the first school term in 2008:
Dear Debbie and Sean [FISAT volunteer teachers],
I feel very lucky to have you here and wish you may come in the next semester.
Before I was very afraid when I saw foreigners, now I am very happy to be in your class because you are so nice.
I was afraid of foreigners because I didn’t know how to talk to them.
But not anymore.
Thank you very much.
I like to be in your class.
It’s so much fun.
I hope to see you here again after this summer.
Thank you very much.
