English Language Learners
Classes for English language learners and preparing for American Citizenship
To support the community's limited-English proficient individuals and to ensure language access, Pacific Gateway Center offers English-as-a-Second Language (ESL) classes and ESL/Citizenship Matters classes. They are tuition-free.
The ESL classes aim for these outcomes:
- Develop confidence in speaking
- Increase English comprehension through listening and oral activities
- Introduce and practice writing skills
- Enrich English vocabulary and everyday language based upon learners' daily interaction with other people and community institutions, e.g., post office, bank, markets, shopping, doctor's office, library, housing, transportation, health, work, recreation.
- Make connections to prior knowledge
- Learn basics such as the alphabet, numbers, colors, parts of the body, days of the week/months of year, time, holidays, at the market, at home, at school, money, what to do in emergencies, etc.
- Develop an emerging understanding of American and local culture as part of the acculturation process.
ESL in PGC classes is taught with a hands-on approach to learning in an encouraging learning atmosphere. Lessons are develoed based upon the American Council of Foreign Language Teacher's (ACTFL) 5 C's: Communication, Culture, Connections, Comparisons and Communities.
ESL Classes funded by the freeman foundation
PGC currently is providing ESL classes for adults in 11-week sessions for a $15 registration fee with sessions as follows:
Chinatown location (adults only):
83 N. KING STREET, 3RD FLOOR, HONOLULU, HI 96813 (PLEASE ENTER THROUGH THE SIDE DOOR ON SMITH STREET--NEXT TO SMITH & KINGS PUB. THE SIDE DOOR IS ALL THE WAY IN THE BACK.)
Mondays and Wednesdays
8:30 AM - 10:15 AM (level: high beginners)
10:30 AM - 12:15 PM (level: low beginners)
Sessions are as follows:
1. Summer Term (May 30, 2018 to August 8, 2018)
2. Fall Term (August 27, 2018 to November 7, 2018)
3. Winter Term (November 26, 2018 to February 6, 2019)
4. Spring Term (February 25, 2019 to May 8, 2019)
Contact Ron Okita at ron@pacificgatewaycenter.org OR Hao at (808) 851-7010 and Nick at (808) 773-7047 for more information.
Do you want to become a U.S. Citizen?
Free Citizenship/ESl classes
Classes funded by USCIS
(United States Citizenship and Immigration Services)
WATCH FOR THE NEXT ORIENTATION
Adult citizenship establishes a meaningful pathway for the foreign-born to feel a deep sense of belonging and integration into American communities.
Some key benefits of becoming a US Citizen:
- Vote
- Travel with a U.S. passport
- Bring family members to the U.S.
- Serve on a jury
- Apply for federal jobs
- Become an elected official
- Retain U.S. residency
- Become eligible for federal grants and scholarships
- Obtain government benefits
You must be a green card holders to qualify. This class will improve English reading, writing and listening skills and prepare you for the the naturalization test.
Classes take place as follows:
1. Waipahu Class - United Church of Christ
94-330 Mokuola Street, Waipahu
Tuesday & Thursday
2:30 to 4:15 PM
2. Chinatown Class
83 NO. KING STREET, 3RD FLOOR, HONOLULU, HI 96813 (PLEASE ENTER THROUGH THE SIDE DOOR ON SMITH STREET--NEXT TO SMITH & KINGS PUB. THE SIDE DOOR IS ALL THE WAY IN THE BACK.)
Tuesday & Thursday
5:30 TO 7:15 PM
3. Kalihi Class
Saturday
9:00 AM to 12:45 PM
Sessions:
1. Summer Term - May 29 to August 11, 2018
2. Fall Term - August 28 to November 10, 2018
3. Winter Term (November 27, 2018 to February 9, 2019)
4. Spring Term (February 26, 2019 to May 11, 2019)
Contact Ron Okita at ron@pacificgatewaycenter.org OR Hao at (808) 851-7010 and Nick at (808) 773-7047 for more information.