SNBC recently embarked on an initiative to expand programming that meets the needs and interests of English Language Learners (ELLs) in the Sunset District. These programs include Chinese Computer Classes and Basic ESL classes. Additionally, SNBC staff facilitates Chinese language community forums such as the Taraval Police Community Forum and the Sunset Neighborhood Community Forum.

 

In brief, each existing program is described below:

ESL Class for Older Adults:
This class is offered in partnership with Self-Help for the Elderly. Native Chinese-speakers from throughout the community attend weekly classes at SNBC’s storefront community space on Noriega Street. Class units address issues that are relevant to the participants, (e.g., health, safety, transportation, and nutrition-related vocabulary and phrases), and the course also provides civic education.

Basic and Intermediate Adult Computer Classes in Chinese:
SNBC offers several weekday-evening Basic Adult Computer Classes in Chinese for parents in the Sunset community. The West Sunset Rec Connect program at SNBC offers two weekend morning computer classes in the SNBC Community Computer Lab. This class is offered at two levels—both basic and intermediate. SNBC's Computer Classes in Chinese teach adults fundamental computer technology skills such as word processing, Internet usage, and how to use web-based email programs. The classes also orient the limited English-speaking participants to common English terms related to computer technology.

Acting for English for Parents:
The West Sunset Rec Connect program at SNBC offers this ESL class geared towards parents. This class uses acting methods specifically designed to teach parents how to better understand and engage with their child's world. The program also aims to improve parents' conversational skills, particularly in the following topics: school, home, health and public safety. The class covers scenarios such as communication with teachers at a Parent/Teacher Conference, responding in the event that their child gets in trouble at school or is feeling sick, asking their child about the school day, and communicating with public safety and health care providers in emergency situations.

Acting for English for Kids:
Complimenting the parent education component described above, this is another class offered by the West Sunset Rec Connect program at SNBC. This class uses acting methods to get youth ages eight through thirteen to speak English with confidence while having a great time! This is ideal for youth that speak English as a second language and are having trouble with their schoolwork or in social situations.

Sunset Neighborhood Community Forum in Chinese:
Staff from SNBC's Community Programs is working closely with Chinese-speaking residents in the Sunset District to create a community forum by and for Chinese-speaking parents living in the Sunset. This forum will meet regularly to discuss local issues, share neighborhood resources, and plan community events such as the Moon Festival Celebration for families and other culturally relevant activities.

Taraval Police Community Relations Forum in Chinese:
SNBC’s Safety Network Community Organizer and Sunset Community Convener, working in conjunction with the Taraval Police District staff, Supervisor Carmen Chu, and San Francisco SAFE, have established a quarterly gathering for Chinese-speaking residents to learn vital public safety information, as well as to share their safet