English for the Everyday Living

Program Overview

English for the Restaurant and Everyday Living, an applied learning ESL class for restaurant workers, which aims to narrow the language and cultural gap in and outside of the workplace. This program serves 70 students each quarter from over 50 Philadelphia restaurants and served 150 individuals in 2014.

Due to lack of access to effective English education, many
immigrant restaurant workers find it difficult to advance in the workplace, articulate needs, and are often disconnected from their communities. An English language and skills program was developed to support these workers. Students attend
class for three hours a week over a twelve week session at the Learning Annex classroom located at 1117 E. Passyunk Avenue, in the heart of South Philadelphia's Mexican community. Additionally, students are provided with the
option to participate in skill building workshops with chefs throughout the city and to participate in educational and cultural field trips. There are ten individual classes that run two days a week and cover five levels of English competency, including an advanced book club.

EREL's goal is to increase confidence levels needed to identify and achieve personal and professional aspirations. EREL's four objectives support learners in their efforts to achieve meaningful and lasting change in their professional and personal lives. Through EREL programs and activities, learners and their families will:

1.Become more active and engaged in their local communities;

2.Acquire restaurant skills needed to advance at work;

3.Develop the ability to set personal and professional goals, and receive support with the process;

4.Understand when, how,and why to access community resources such as transportation, medical services,financial services, immigrant services, public schools, and children's activities.English