There is a growing need for English as a Second Language (ESL) classes for students to communicate with teachers as well as for parents to learn English. After-school programs supported by the community and champions for ESL will improve the teacher’s ability to communicate with their students irrespective of age.

As of April 2017, one-quarter of all the children currently enrolled in grades K-8 at the Julius E. Sprauve School are English language learners, as reported by the St. John Tradewinds. Some of the barriers to providing additional support through Sprauve School include recruiting additional teachers and the lack of ability to offer competitive pay. The population of St. John is small but very diverse. Languages spoken include English, Spanish, French, Creole, and Patois (Patwa). Non-English speakers can be disconnected from the rest of the community and therefore, more vulnerable. An advocacy group could help build support within and between various groups, assist individuals in navigating the legal system and gaining access to other services. This projects seeks to create advocacy groups that can provide supportive services to diverse populations that may struggle to navigate current systems. The goal is to empower all communities and to improve networking between groups.

IMPLEMENTATION STEPS: 1. Identify leaders and begin to build a network to provide supportive services 2. Identify and communicate needs within the community and develop any needed skills 3. Empower all communities and to improve networking between groups 4. Develop an advocacy group to build support within and between various groups and help individuals navigate legal systems and gain access services

Key Players: Dept. of Education; Houses of Worship Alignment: HSS, CPCB RSFs Cost: < $100,000 Timeline: < One Year