By Kelly A. Shue
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

As a leader in developing educational pathways for a diverse workforce of over 1,000 employees, Riderwood recently celebrated the successful efforts of 25  staff members graduating from the English as a Second Language (ESL) program.

Broadening horizons
Offered in partnership with the Prince George’s Community College Office of Continuing Education, Riderwood enables staff members to attend free basic or advanced workplace ESL courses during their workday. The goal of these classes is to provide students with the opportunity to obtain a better command of the English language.

“Riderwood provides a wonderful and unique benefit to staff interested in gaining a greater understanding of the English language,” says Ruth Ticktin, a professor at Prince George’s Community College. “I want to thank Riderwood for continuing to give their employees this chance to improve themselves and become better citizens.”

In addition to gaining a better understanding of English, participants in the ESL classes earn continuing education units (CEUs), which they can use toward college credits.

Hope for the future
“As a result of taking the ESL classes, the English-speaking skills of the program participants improved significantly,” says ESL Program Coordinator Caranda Julius. “This not only helps the participants, but also everyone at Riderwood and in our society.”

Senior Facilities Manager and ESL student Reggie Denis agrees. Having moved to the U.S. from Haiti as a child, Denis says, “The ESL classes offer the type of hope and opportunity necessary for people to take control of their lives.”

After receiving her completion certificate, Escamilla, a housekeeper at  Riderwood, sat with tears in her eyes, thankful that she had successfully completed the program. “This is an emotional time for me because I’m so grateful for having had this opportunity to learn more English,” she says.