The Ethiopian Community Center (ECC) has been in the MCAEL coalition for many years and in operation in the community for forty. As of 2018, the organization became a MCAEL grantee. With grant funding the ECC is providing vocational English literacy classes to Montgomery County’s limited English proficient (LEP) African immigrant residents who live in Takoma Park’s Maple Avenue corridor.
An innovative partnership brings ESOL home.
March 7, 2019
Organizations like the ECC are serving an under-served population using innovative partnerships. Partnering with the Community Preservation and Development Corporation (CPDC) an affiliate of Enterprise Homes, English classes are being held in an apartment building called The Essex House. The Essex House is home to over 400 residents and a predominantly African immigrant population. This innovative place-based approach meets learners where they are - in the home, removing any of the usual barriers a learner might encounter: distance, transportation, and time.
CPDC Resident Services Coordinator Seble Seyoum shares:
“Through direct engagement and resident feedback, CPDC has observed limited English proficiency as being one of the most significant barriers to economic security for Essex House residents who are predominantly African immigrants, with a significant Ethiopian population. Essex House community is located along Maple Avenue, home to an even more extensive African immigrant community. When ECC approached us and said they were interested in providing English classes to Takoma Park residents, we saw this as a perfect fit. ECC’s has a long history of providing quality English Language and job readiness programming to African Immigrants in the DMV and the population has responded positively. ECC currently implements weekly English classes at CPDC through funding received by MCAEL. These classes are open to all, so we are able to serve CPDC residents and also impact the greater community which is along with CPDC’s mission. We have seen that these classes are meeting the demand of the community, with 47 students registering for the program since September 2018. The feedback from students and response from the community has been positive as we are addressing one of the many challenges faced by a large percentage of Takoma Park residents. English classes not only better prepare adults, but it has a direct IMPACT on the children of these families as parents gain essential resources to help which assist their children to thrive in school and life.”
By leveraging resources and partnerships, ECC & CPDC are a great example of how we can expand English classes in Montgomery County in ways that make sense and that meets learners where they are.
Dear MCAEL Community, It is such an honor to be joining you as MCAEL’s new Executive Director. With my many years of mission-driven work rooted in Montgomery County – and as an English language learner myself – I could not be more thrilled to join this amazing staff and network of programs. I’ve known MCAEL for years through my work in the county, both at Interfaith Works and most recently as Chief Program & Innovation Officer at the Jewish Council for the Aging (JCA). But after just two weeks on the job at MCAEL, I’ve gained an even deeper understanding of the breadth of work that we do – and the impact that we have on the lives of so many. Not speaking English affects your life in almost every way, from asking for directions or help in a store to securing employment and an education. I speak from experience. I was a young teenager when my family moved to the United States. Not knowing how to speak the language, I had to navigate not only a new country, but eighth grade in an American middle school (arguably challenging even for native speakers). At a time when some of our learners are afraid to come to class, we need to stand tall and continue to do what we have always done – offer pathways to a better quality of life through English learning, and to support our strong network of programs in doing so. I am excited to take on this work and I look forward to meeting all of you through planned visits to programs, as well as at meetings and community events. I welcome your phone calls, emails, and visits! Please reach out at any time – I would love it. Warmly, Gerard
One hundred and sixty-five people came out for food, performances, resources, and inspiring stories at MCAEL’s first-ever Celebration of English Learners last month. Attendees may have hailed from across the globe, but they shared common experiences as immigrants and English language learners. At the event, they had access to organizations offering services ranging from healthcare to legal advice – and all enjoyed an abundance of international food, and a lively program featuring the personal stories of learners and dance performances by Grupo Folklorico Internacional and CCACC Evergreen Martial Arts Health Dance Class. Representatives from the offices of Councilmembers Jawando and Mink presented a special citation, signed by the Council Education Committee, to Sonia Peñate, long-time volunteer (and former learner) from the Seneca Creek Community Church ESOL program. Kanidiengue Kone, who moved to the US from the Ivory Coast three years ago and currently serves as a member of MCAEL’s Learner Leadership Group, had these words for the crowd: “Today, I want to encourage you: keep going with your classes, even when it feels hard. Growth happens when we step outside of our comfort zone.”
MCAEL is delighted to announce the appointment of Gerard J. P. Etienne as its new Executive Director. Gerard brings a depth of experience overseeing and growing large programs, most recently as Chief Program & Innovation Officer at the Jewish Council for the Aging (JCA). He will assume his new position at MCAEL on May 5, 2025. Gerard began his career as a mechanical engineer and then a management consultant for both small and large companies, focusing on intrapreneurship and innovation. He discovered his passion for mission-driven work through years of volunteering – leading him to a position as Director of the Vocational Services Program (VSP) at Interfaith Works, where he worked directly with immigrant job seekers, including non-English speakers, to help them overcome cultural and employment barriers. “Gerard brings a deep personal connection to MCAEL’s mission and a strong commitment to serving vulnerable and marginalized communities in Montgomery County,” said Sean Klein, MCAEL Board Chair. “His record of equity-centered leadership, along with his experience managing multidisciplinary teams and complex programs, make him the ideal choice to lead MCAEL into its next chapter.” ๏ปฟ "I am thrilled and honored to serve as MCAEL'S next Executive Director,” Gerard stated. “As a long-time Montgomery County resident and someone with lived experience as an English learner, MCAEL'S mission is deeply personal to me. It's a privilege to give back to my community and to help expand opportunities for adult learners across our county." Gerard’s family moved to the United States when he was a teenager, and he entered the American school system speaking no English. A Montgomery County resident for almost 40 years, Gerard and his wife raised two sons here. He and his wife are both avid fans of Arsenal Football Club (they never miss a game). They live in Silver Spring with their dog, Doug.
