HOW TO CONTRIBUTE

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WHAT WE OFFER

Elevate Your English Skills

Beginner English

Focused on basic alphabet and vocabulary. This class is for women who have little or no English vocab, grammar, or comprehension skills. It will cover the alphabet, numbers, pronunciation, vocabulary and listening skills. We will learn how to use simple present, past and future tenses of regular and irregular verbs and adjectives to describe them using daily life activities such as grocery shopping.

High Beginner English

Focused on using vocabulary and grammar. This class is for women who have some English vocabulary and can function in basic tasks such as filling out forms, greeting people, and going to the grocery store. We will cover topics such as measurements and money, time and weather, shopping, asking for and giving directions, education, healthcare basics, leisure activities, and communicating by phone and internet.

Intermediate English I

Focused on conversational use of grammar and vocab. This class is designed for women who can use basic English vocab and grammar to communicate effectively in everyday situations and social interactions. We will cover such topics as community agencies and services, healthcare systems and medications, transportation, giving and understanding directions, education systems and services, leisure time, society, and culture, and communicating by phone and internet.

Intermediate English II

Expands on Intermediate English I. This class is for women who can understand some videos (TV, movies, YouTube) and written texts (newspapers, short stories). They can use English vocab and basic grammar to communicate in everyday situations. The class will use authentic videos, podcasts, and articles to improve listening, reading, and vocabulary skills. Students will participate in small groups and class discussions and presentations. Topics will include communicating by phone and internet, assessing education systems, and analyzing current events.

Intermediate English III

Focused on listening and speaking. In this class, you will practice speaking in English about your opinions of modern culture, work, education, and other topics needed for effective communication. You will listen to podcasts and watch videos on these topics and use the ideas to form your thoughts. You will also practice English pronunciation and deliver a final presentation to the class, so you must be willing to complete practice exercises for homework.

Conversation Practice

This weekly session is open to all RENEW students to practice English in a safe and welcoming environment, regardless of their current English level. Offered in the fall, spring, and summer, this open-ended class provides a flexible way to improve your skills. Each session will feature new topics and guest speakers, ensuring engaging and dynamic learning opportunities.

English in Action

In this engaging 8-week Summer program, students will use English to learn about hobbies. They will improve their English vocab and speaking skills and present their hobbies to the class. If students don’t have a hobby, the teacher will guide them through exercises so that they can present something new and interesting. This way, everyone will learn a new hobby from their classmates!

Spring 2025 Class Schedule

Free online English classes for refugee & immigrant women will be offered from January 13 to March 13, 2025.

Schedule
High Beginner
Intermediate I
High Intermediate II
Conversation
Day
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Time
10:30am - 12pm EST
10:30am - 12pm EST
10:30am - 12pm EST
11am - 12:30pm EST
Requirements
Smart phone, tablet or computer with audio & internet connection.
Schedule
HIGH BEGINNER
Monday
10:30am - 12pm EST
INTERMEDIATE I
Tuesday
10:30am - 12pm EST
HIGH INTERMEDIATE II
Wednesday
10:30am - 12pm EST
CONVERSATION
Thursday
11am - 12:30pm EST
Requirements: Smart phone, tablet or computer with audio & internet connection.

MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR

Shaimaa Eid

Shaimaa Eid is a first-generation immigrant educator and linguist in the Greater Philadelphia area, actively involved in diverse communities with a passion for volunteering and bringing people together.

For the past decade, she has worked in the non-profit and government sectors, focusing on Language Access, Community Education, Immigrant and Refugee Integration, and Community Engagement. In education, she has helped develop and implement programs in adult English Language Learning, Digital Literacy, Citizenship, and K-12 Cultural Education. She also consults with Philadelphia institutions like the School District, Free Library, and local government departments to create culturally competent and engaging programs.

This fall, I’m excited to join RENEW as an Adult ESL Instructor, where I’ll bring my expertise to helping students achieve their language learning goals.

MEET OUR PAST INSTRUCTORS

Ashley Merriweather

Ashley Merriweather

Background in Intercultural Communication. M.A. in TESOL.
Lorraine R. Shaw

Lorraine R. Shaw

Educator, Language Coach, Curriculum Developer & Technical Writer
Kai Davis

Kai Davis

B.S., Elementary Education. M.Ed., Curriculum & Instruction. Ed.D., Teacher Leadership.
Putri Agustinos

Putri Agustinos

Educator, Learning Designer, Background in 2nd Language Education & Ed-Tech.

FEATURED PROJECTS

Showcasing Student Creativity

Global Flavor Favorites

During a food unit, students practiced English by sharing their traditional recipes, leading to the creation of an international cookbook.

Voices of the American Experience

Students share their unique American experiences in a digital journal, highlighting key moments from their lives in the U.S.

Hear from Our Community

Resources for the Education of Women is an online center dedicated to providing free English language skills to refugee & immigrant women.

© 2024 by RENEW

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