Citizenship Class
NLD ID #92341Contact Information
Sanford, NC 27332
Hours of Operation
Monday - Thursday, 6 PM- 8 PM
Program Overview
Classes meet Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 PM - 8 PM for three, 10 week sessions throughout the year. See the website for details. www.ElRefugioLeeCo.org
Free child care and enrichment activities are available. Small classes. Caring teachers. Practice with English speakers.
El Refugio builds bridges between transitioning immigrants and established residents through sharing, learning, and serving our community together while respecting cultural identities.El Refugio programs involve free language classes (English and Spanish), citizenship preparedness classes, and supplemental classes/ workshops in partnership with other agencies that include computer, healthy cooking, business empowerment, financial literacy, and educational legal immigration seminars. During class sessions, El Refugio offers childcare and child enrichment activities. Services include resource connections (referrals) to connect individuals to local agencies and resources (food, housing, legal aid, and more). El Refugio engages in cross-cultural activities and holds three events throughout the year: Festival Latino, International Culture Night, and Summer Fest.
Cost Info
There is no cost for classes. We also offer free child care and enrichment activities for the children of our students. We also make referrals so students can connect with legal immigration agencies that can help in their naturalization process.Student and Volunteer Success Stories
JACOB"S STORY
He stood tall as he repeated the oath during his naturalization ceremony. This was the culmination of a long journey and fulfillment of a dream for Jacob.* His journey began many years go in Peru, where even family ties and a career in agricultural engineering did not ensure a bright future for his two sons. Jacob and his wife Cecilia wanted more for their children and were willing to sacrifice for it. They applied for admission into the United States. After waiting for 10 years, they were finally granted "green cards" and arrived in Sanford six years ago. Unable to find work in engineering, Jacob worked in lower-paying jobs to put food on the family table.
With citizenship as their ultimate goal, Jacob and Cecilia* were among the first to sign up when El Refugio started offering English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. Jacob then went on to earn his GED at CCCC. But, Jacob knew that he would need help in achieving his goal. When CCCC and El Refugio collaborated to provide citizenship classes at the El Refugio facility in August 2016, Jacob excelled. By October, he had passed the written and verbal exams for U.S. citizenship. A few weeks later, Citizen Jacob voted in his first U.S. election.
Jacob now gives back. He knows that the cross-cultural relationships built into El Refugio's programs help students identify with and give confidence to each other. He not only serves on the El Refugio Board, but he also serves as a role model to students as he volunteers in ESL classes. "When I arrived in the United States, I didn't speak English," Jacob says. "Thanks to El Refugio, I had the opportunity to learn English and understand and communicate. I encourage people to take risks and learn new things. Overcome the challenges; participate in our community, and enrich this country."
(* Not their real names.)
Education services
- Learn English
- Improve my technology skills
- Become a U.S. citizen
Instruction Type
- In-person