Special thanks to AnnikaQED, who posted Help Ukrainians Learn English a few days ago. I was intrigued and signed up. Proficiency in spoken English is the only prerequisite. Surprise! I was not the only one. A group of 35 prospective tutors attended a Zoom presentation today.
Asked where they learned about ENGin, at least 14 said “I read a post on Daily KOS.”
The presenter said that was the record for the most people they have ever had at one presentation. That’s the result of AnnikaQED’s post. Sometimes we Kossacks don’t give ourselves enough credit. DKOS mitigates a lot of the world’s problems. See the link below to add your increment of help.
ENGin only opens enrollment for applicants who wish to develop English speaking skills for a hour or two per week. More would only flood them with applicants they cannot serve. Two weeks from now, that list will be 2 persons shorter. And I will be making a contribution to Ukraine.
It’s Easy For The Tutors:
Every Ukrainian applicant must be proficient in written English. ENGin has an equal number of beginner, intermediate and advanced learners (of spoken English). You can limit yourself to only advanced learners if you wish.
What you do is to discuss stuff — anything, really — with a Ukrainian who already knows written English. The student picks on things like when to say “shoes” and when to say “sneakers.” What’s a “muscle car?” An email that is too “wordy?” ENGin will supply lesson plans and stuff, but the main point is just to talk. You learn a bit about Ukrainian culture, and the student learns a lot about American (or British, or South African, or...) language and culture.
Annika, in a few weeks there will likely be 40 or 50 Ukrainians developing their spoken English because of your post. You have a right to be proud.
For everyone else, here’s a link. Give it a try: you might love it. Someone in Ukraine might land a really good job because of your help.
www.enginprogram.org