What's Happening in Livingston, NJ…

The West Essex YMCA in Livingston is expanding its English as a Second Language (ESL) class and is now offering it twice a week in a non-threatening but informative environment.

The program is led by Rohat Chari, a senior at Livingston High School, along with other volunteers from the school. It is open to all learners of the English language, regardless of their age and level, and designed to help improve their conversational English. Children who attend the classes are also mentored for cultural assimilation.

Chari commented that this is a very informal program so attendees can ask any questions they have. There is some structure to the educational experience, but there is more of a give-and-take kind of relationship. Chari says the program is ideal for those looking for a more casual environment but who still want some formal training where they are encouraged to learn, and added that the students share their stories with the volunteers, so they become involved in the personal lives of the students.

Executive Director of the West Essex YMCA, Helen Flores, said that a need in the community has been filled by the program. It helps with community building and fosters inclusion and diversity in the region.

Classes are held on Sundays and Tuesdays and are free. The community can be informed of such classes and what they entail through various printing services.