WAEF Holding ESL Forum September 13th

The Washington Apple Education Foundation, WAEF, will hold their fifth annual English as a Second Language Forum at CWU in Ellensburg Wednesday, September 13^th.

Executive Director Jennifer Witherbee said it provides an opportunity to ESL instructors and volunteers to discuss challenges, strategies and several other topics as they work with students.

“We were hearing a lot of exciting things that people were doing and we were also hearing people express some very similar frustrations and obstacles. We thought if we could get these different groups together and have opportunities to learn with each other, share some of these things they’ve experienced, some of the things that they’ve tried, they probably could benefit each other.”

Many of the people who are ESL students are farm workers or their family members with WAEF’s focus on those involved in the tree fruit industry.

When talking with the attendees of these forums, Witherbee said that’s when it reaffirms that value these forums can provide.

“Very positive feedback. They’ve commented on some of the presenters that we bring in and appreciating what they’re learning from the presenters but very much appreciating what they’re learning from each other.”

Witherbee says their farm worker grant programs have been a part of the group’s mission since their formation in 1994.

To get involved, contact WAEF at waef.org.

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