Planning Class Logistics

Key Decisions for ESL Sites 

• Once your volunteer team is mostly set, we recommend having a vision-casting meeting for site director, volunteers, and church leadership (optionally with Refuge staff). The goal of this meeting is to be sure everyone is on the same page about the vision of the ministry and to discuss some of these bullet points listed below. 

• If time and resources allow, we also recommend a canvassing of the neighborhood to survey refugees and immigrants to determine what language needs the immigrant community around your church has.  For instance, you might discover that most work at workplace and need more English related to their work, which can help you plan currciulum. You might also learn that childcare is a non-negotiable for most families. 

• Set a target start date, ideally 3–6 months from this point 

• Choose a weekly day and time for class. 

  •  In truth, you will never find a time that works for all of your potential students. Even if you did, so many factors will fluctuate in your students' lives once classes begin, like work shifts changing or family needs causing students to stop attending. We recommend choosing the best time/day of the week for you and your volunteers. 

• Plan your budget 

  • Determine material needs, like facilities and supplies 

  • Receive a church-approved budget and set a course fee for students (if desired) 

• Order curriculum and teacher materials 

• Complete teacher training

• Recruit remaining volunteers needed; reach out to Refuge (info@refugeintl.org) if volunteers outside of your church are needed. 

• Create a communication channel with church leadership for updates about the ministry 

  • Ask for regular prayer for your ministry from the church