Even during a time of stay-at-home and physical distancing orders, VEP continues to provide service and support to our students and tutors. In addition to an initial nine hours of intensive, preliminary tutor training, VEP has always provided on-going, free support and instruction to current tutors looking for more ways to help their students stay focused on their learning goals. In April, we moved our “Peer to Peer” workshops, focused on current trends or topics of interest to tutors and usually held in person several times a year, online — and saw attendance soar from a dozen attendees in the past to more than 40 in each of the virtual workshops. To read more about how we’re continuing to support tutors virtually, click here.
“While it is clearly difficult to exist in a country where you don’t understand, read or speak the language that is being used by nearly everyone else, it’s clearly not impossible. Many people live this way for years, or even their entire lives, finding ways to survive. But those individuals who choose to undertake the long and difficult journey of learning English, clearly have the desire to function at a higher level in our society; and this is how we, as a people, move forward, economically and culturally.
The issue of immigration has been much in the news lately, in the political sphere. But politics isn’t the issue for me. The issue is the responsibility and genuine desire I feel to do good in my community. To make my community better and to do so in a meaningful way for another member of my community, regardless of other circumstances. Which is why VEP is such an important organization.
By providing assistance to members of the community by other members of that same community, VEP ensures that we all benefit, personally, economically and culturally. I am happy to give of my time to such an organization.”
Meredith Ann Cymbor
Wealth Advisor and recent VEP Tutor
Tutor and Community Partner Conversation Groups
Tutor and community partners facilitate weekly conversation groups for VEP students and individuals who want to meet others in their local community to improve or practice their English speaking skills. Conversation groups continue to meet virtually during Coronavirus restrictions. For more information, click here.
Conversation Group Leadership
Jane Palestini at the West Chester Library
Pattie Littlewood at the Easttown Library
Kirsten Van Vlandren at the Phoenixville Library
Arlene Stevenson at the Central Presbyterian Church, Downingtown
Susan Jacques Pierson at the Tredyffrin Library
Karen Smith, Community Partner at the Downingtown Library Group
Thank you, Shannon Burke and Judy Curiel for responding to our latest outreach to launch a Coatesville area conversation group. Ms. Curiel will lead a virtual group on Monday evenings.. Please see the attached for the most updated times and locations or Contact VEP staff for more information.