Second Language Education Breaks Down Barriers at CHEER

Source: Cheer Center

CHEER, Inc. recently held a dinner and graduation ceremony for participants of its Language Exchange Adult Program (LEAP). For 16 weeks, seniors had the opportunity to learn a second language that can help break down barriers and foster better understanding.

With a mini grant from Delaware’s Department of Aging to help senior centers reach out to their communities and, specifically, to the underserved senior Hispanic population, CHEER put together a plan to offer both Spanish and English as a Second Language (ESL) classes free to area senior citizens. With the access to tablets with Babbel Language Learning Software, English speaking adults and non-English speaking Hispanic adults had the opportunity to improve their thinking skills and increase their job and volunteer opportunities. All graduates received a CHEER membership through the end of the year which gave them access to all CHEER Activity Centers and its fitness centers.

Programs were conducted at CHEER Centers located in: Georgetown – ESL class taught by Anna Ornelas-Moore and Spanish class taught by Rocia Oliva and Itzel Hernandez; Milton – taught by Anette Aguillion; Long Neck – taught by Melinda Justice; and Harbour Lights in Lewes, taught by Karen Oliphant. A favorite part of the classes held in Georgetown was that several times both the Spanish and ESL classes got to meet and try to communicate with each other, thus providing a real-life learning experience.

The graduation dinner at the CHEER Community Center in Georgetown featured Hispanic foods and activities such as knocking down a piñata and, of course, Loteria (Bingo  which is popular for any age in any culture).

At this time, there are no plans for future Spanish and ESL classes because of funding, however CHEER has partnered with Delaware’s Division of Aging to open a senior center at the Georgetown site in the evenings geared toward Hispanic foods and activities. More details will be forthcoming as finalized.

Graduates of CHEER’s LEAP program were: