'Branch manager Mr. Beak, Sun-woong addressed students during the opening ceremony for the re-started English conversation class on March 3, at the Pyeongtaek Disabled Welfare Center. -- U.S. Army photo by Somin Jeon.'
CAMP HUMPHREYS – The classroom was filled with excitement on Tuesday, March 3 at the Pyeongtaek Disabled Welfare Center. With the help of volunteers from Camp Humphreys the center was once again able to offer began a new free English conversation class.
While classes in Chinese characters and folk songs are common to the curriculum, the Center has had a difficult time maintaining interest in teaching English to the mentally and physically handicapped seniors in the Pyeongtaek area.
The Center’s branch manager, Mr. Baek Sun-woong explained that last year, with the help of a English speaking Korean volunteer, the Center had an effective conversational English class but, when the volunteer left, the class was closed.
Challenges of the participants do not only include the physical and mental handicaps but also economic and financial difficulties. With the support of Pyeongtaek city and now Camp Humphreys, the center has been able to re-create the this new educational opportunity.
The students showed a passion for learning during the 2-hour class led by native English speaker Ms. Dale Broyles . Public Affairs Office interns Somin Jeon and Carl Yoo assisted with interpretations.
Not all of the students were learning English for the first time. Mr. Yoo, Sun-gil, a student in the class, said, “I have forgotten many English skills but today, I remember many words and sentences. This class is quite exciting.”
At the opening ceremony Pyeongtaek city Secretary General Kim, Soong-ho spoke about his desire for more collaborative community programs stating “Koreans and Americans should harmonize with each other in every field, especially communication.” With the transformation in progress, and the increased number of soldiers and families relocating to Camp Humphreys, Kim believes that this class is a good example of how the community can keep up with the changes.
The English conversion program runs every Tuesday through December at the Pyeongtaek Disabled Welfare Center.
