Neighborhood: North Philadelphia
Learners: Latin American adults (very few learners over 50)
Type of Instruction: Coaching (Assisting in ESL class)
Site Supervision: ESL teacher, Program staff
Schedule: Mondays through Thursdays, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m., and Saturdays, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Description: Open Borders is located in a Latin American Community in North Philadelphia, about a mile away from Temple University. The underlying philosophy of the Open Borders Project, a church-based adult education program, is to develop community leaders. Instruction is geared towards accessing employment, higher education, and increasing civic participation. Some of the services provided by the site are day care, GED classes, ESL classes, and computer classes. Project SHINE coaches will be assisting in classes led by volunteer ESL teachers. Open Borders holds an orientation for coaches before coaching starts.
Most of the learners at Open Borders are from Puerto Rico, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Colombia, but there are others from various Latin American countries. Most of the learners are women. The most common reasons for learning English are to communicate with family and for health reasons. Because this site has many young learners, some people want to learn English for work and to find better jobs. The atmosphere at Open Borders is very friendly. Many of the people that come and go joke around with each other a lot.
Other Services and Activities Offered at Site: GED, ESL, citizenship and adult education classes; computer instruction; leadership development; daycare on-site; church services and community supports
Public Transportation from Temple University: Take the Broad Street Line north to the Erie Station. Wait for the 56 bus eastbound and take it to 6th Street. Turn right on 6th Street and walk one block south. St. Ambrose Church and Open Borders are on the other side of Venango. Open Borders operates out of a few houses on 6th Street just past the church.
Alternatively, you can take the 47 Bus going north, from the corner of Berks and 7th or Norris and 7th, behind the Temple Station (the Regional Rail station, not the subway stop). This bus eventually goes up 5th Street, and you should exit the bus at 5th and Venango, walk west down Venango and turn left on 6th Street. You will see the church on the corner across the street.
Driving: Head north on Broad Street and turn right on Allegheny. When you see W. Sedgley Avenue, make a slight left. Make another left onto 5th Street. Make one more left on to Venango Street. Turn left one final time on to 6th Street. The church is on the corner, and there is plenty of parking.
For more travel options, visit www.septa.org, and click on “Plan My Trip,” or visit maps.google.com and click on “Get directions.”