Burbank : Salvation Army To Offer English Classes

The Salvation Army in Burbank, trying to breach a language barrier in the southeast part of the city, has decided to offer English classes in an attempt to reach a poor and growing population of Armenians and Latinos.

Many coming in for food or rental assistance cannot speak English, said Kris Potter, the Burbank corps of the Salvation Army’s ministry expansion director.

Often, parents bring in their children to translate for them, Potter said.

“So much is lost in the translation when they do it that way,” Potter said. “And, it teaches children their parents don’t have the responsibility to communicate. It is a very tough position for a child to have to be in.”

Classes in English as a second language began June 28 at the Salvation Army building at 300 E. Angeleno Ave. The Salvation Army is trying to recruit about 30 volunteer tutors, who they will train. So far, 17 have signed up, Potter said.

“They just have to be able to read, speak and write English themselves,” Potter said.

The first semester lasts eight weeks and is free to students except for the cost of books, which are $18 to $20. Tutors would work with groups of about six in a class teaching 1 1/2 to 2 hours, twice a week. Morning and evening classes will be available, Potter said.

Potter estimated that within a five-mile radius of the Salvation Army building, about 30% of the population is Armenian. Another 35% to 40% is Latino, he said. But there are no education programs nearby to help them learn English.

“There is nothing on the east side of the freeway for the humongous Armenian and Spanish population here,” Potter said.

For more information, call Potter at (818) 845-7214.