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DHSS completes first ESL course

November 12, 2014 marked the end of the first course, which is part of the professional development efforts the Department of Human and Social Services (DHSS) has initiated in partnership with the ASCC Adult Education, Literacy, and Extended Learning Program, under the leadership of State Director Tauvela Fale.

 

This effort is a series of courses that focus on English as a Second Language (ESL): each course is eight (8) weeks long, requires a minimum total of 45 contact hours, and is designed to further build the skills of our staff to better articulate themselves orally and in writing. This inaugural course was comprised of thirteen (13) DHSS employees from its American Samoa Women, Infants, and Children, American Samoa Nutrition Assistance Program, Behavioral Health Services, Child Care, Children and Family Services, and Finance and Administration Divisions.

 

Given his extensive background in education, DHSS Director Taeaoafua Dr. Meki T. Solomona, remains a staunch advocate for capacity building. “Whether in a formal classroom setting or utilizing other avenues for credentialing or training, it is critical that our Department takes advantage of every opportunity to improve services for our people, by our people,” stated the Director. He also added, “Although the acronym ‘ESL’ may be viewed as being for those that may not be able to read or write in English, the truth is, English is our second language.

 

These courses are designed to help us communicate more effectively in a language that is not our own, but a language that is the standard for doing business- especially since we administer Federal funding.”

 

Participants went through an assessment process to determine the course level for their group. Then, throughout the course of the eight (8) week program, they had written and oral assignments and each had to provide a presentation before their final exam.

 

Director Taeaoafua congratulated the DHSS staffers that saw the course through to its completion. He reminded them, “These things are not for us. These things are to help us build a better future and to improve our abilities to do our work.”

 

The Director extends his appreciation to the Mr. Fale, as well as the instructors and staff of the ASCC Adult Education, Literacy, and Extended Learning Program, namely Mrs. Donna Achica-Talaeai, who served as the instructor for this first course.

 

Next steps for this on-going endeavor is to assess lessons-learned and apply them as we plan for the next course with a new set of participants, made possible through this collaborative partnership between the DHSS and ASCC Adult Education, Literacy, and Extended Learning Program. All DHSS staffers are strongly encouraged to see their respective Assistant Directors for information on getting involved in the next course.

 

Source: DHSS media release