English for Speakers of Other Languages

All programs are designed to meet each student's needs and goals.

All students are assigned a one-on-one tutor.

​All tutors are trained and mentored to provide the best learning outcomes for each student.

A Love of Language: Assane's Story

​Assane came to the United States from Senegal to seek a better life for himself and his family.  Since 2014 he has been working with his tutor Terri in the ESOL program at the BLC.

A speaker of Arabic, French, and some Spanish, Assane is no stranger to foreign language learning. When he came to the United States, he wasted no time in beginning his English studies. The first time he took the bus in Dayton, he didn’t understand the conversations around him except the word “Africa;” the two women behind him were talking about the man from Africa – him. “Assane is one of the bravest people I know,” says Terri. He has overcome many challenges during his time studying at the BLC, and he is not afraid to take on more.

At the BLC, ESOL students work one-on-one with their tutors to make sure their lessons progress at an appropriate and stimulating pace. The individualized nature of the program allows students to feel comfortable and supported in their work. “It’s wonderful. I am very happy when I come here,” Assane says. “I like every time I learn something new in my life.”

Assane’s passion and curiosity for English idioms and expressions led to the Center procuring study materials on the subject that are now used by multiple tutors and students to improve conversational English abilities. He says, “My dream is to talk well and write well in English.” Assane makes progress every day, turning his dream into reality.

Recently Assane earned the Brunner Literacy Center’s Attendance Award. Ironically, Assane was unable to attend the Awards Ceremony, so the BLC later held a special ceremony while his wife and daughter were in the United States on a travel visa.

One of Assane’s goals is to work hard enough to be able to bring his wife and daughter to the United States permanently so they can continue building their lives together. Everyone who knows Assane believes in him and is confident in his ability to reunite with his family and accomplish any other goals he sets for himself in his life.

Assane (back center) with his wife and daughter and tutor Terri