Community Learning Center

First ESOL Group Completes Class at Learning Center

Brockton, MA – A May 18th celebration marked the completion of the first ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) class at Crescent Credit Union’s Community Learning Center.

The Community Learning Center, which opened this past January, offers classes in ESOL, Financial Literacy, Basic Computer Skills, and Preparation for Citizenship. Ten students successfully completed the intermediate ESOL class, all of whom went on to enroll in the advanced class, which began June 1.

Pictured left to right: Amilcar Furtado, Maria Tavares, Crescent Credit Union President Robert Gustafson, Learning Center Coordinator Christine Dasylva, Jose Vieira, Marizete Beck, Maria Lobo, Enoque Amarante, and ESOL teacher Dulce Almeida. Missing from photo: Jose Soares, Joaquim Diaz, Maria Garcia, and Viviane Andrade.

“We’re thrilled to see the success of this first ESOL class, and we’re proud of the students’ dedication,” said Crescent Credit Union President Robert Gustafson. “That they have all decided to continue in the advanced level shows both their commitment and the strength of the program itself. We know there is a great need for classes like this in the community, and we’re excited that the Community Learning Center can help address this issue,” he added.

“Having, Dulce, a teacher who speaks several languages, is a plus,” said Learning Center Coordinator Christine Dasylva. ”It allows us to have a more diverse group of students, which is really a better representation of Brockton population”. Dasylva was referring to Dulce Almeida, who conducts the Learning Center’s evening ESOL courses, and also teaches at Brockton High School by day.

The event was catered by restaurant Sodade Terra, located on Main Street in Brockton. The restaurant is owned by Maria Tavares, one of the ESOL students.

For more information about classes offered at the Learning Center, please contact Christine Dasylva at 508-586-8557 or cdasylva@crescentcredit.org.