LEWES, Del. - To help those who have come to Sussex County and are yet to learn English, Greg Hitz began organizing ESL classes at the Lewes Public Library around six years ago.
"It makes a real difference for people that can go from working in the back of the restaurant to the front of the restaurant or become managers in the landscaping companies they work with or construction companies they work with," Hitz said.
The classes are scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9 a.m. from May 2 to June 15.
"Six weeks is a short course, it's a short class, but hopefully, we will cover really the basics... the alphabet, numbers, months, days of the week," Hitz said.
In partnership with the Lewes Public Library, participants will be provided a textbook and a workbook for use in class. The library emphasizes that learning extends beyond the classroom.
"For us, it's an honor and a privilege because it's an opportunity to reach out to the community, to help people not only become more comfortable in English but also to help them succeed in the English-speaking community and to really make their way comfortably through the world," Rebecca Lowe, adult program coordinator at the Lewes Public Library, said.
For those hesitant to join, Hitz encourages participation. "No tenga miedo [Don't be afraid]. Give it a try; it's free. It doesn't cost anything, so what do you have to lose?"
The program welcomes individuals aged 16 and older.
For registration or more information, contact Greg Hitz at 301-275-0250 by calling or texting. Additional details can be found on the Lewes Public Library website.