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April 2013 Updates
International House will now be sending its newsletter twice a month!
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From the Executive Director
April Fool: Myths About Immigrants
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Denise Long,
Executive Director
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"Immigrants don't want to assimilate and learn English." There are a lot of myths floating around out there about immigrants who come to Charlotte and other cities across the U.S. This is one of them. Unfortunately, repetition of misinformation can often fuel the fires of anti-immigrant sentiment and even racism. It is important that organizations like International House and others serving Charlotte's immigrant communities lift up our voices to offer facts that counteract some of these stereotypes and misconceptions.
How often have you heard a comment like this? "Immigrants aren't interested in fitting into our society. They don't want to learn English or become Americans. My grandparents were immigrants, and they had to work hard to learn English and to assimilate. Today's immigrants should do the same." Well, the reality is that most immigrants today ARE working hard to learn English and adapt to their new country. Within 10 years of their arrival, over 75% of immigrants speak English well. However, many work two or more jobs, have few financial resources or need child care in order to take an ESL class. English language programs in the United States are insufficient to meet the demand. It is estimated that more than 90,000 immigrants across the nation are on waiting lists to learn English. >>> Read More
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Become A Home Host For
Distinguished International Guests!
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Interested in becoming a Cultural Ambassador and making new friends? International House is delighted to be hosting a group of six female leaders from Pakistan, Nepal, and Kyrgyzstan working in the fields of education, women's empowerment, and human rights through the U.S. State Department's Legislative Fellows Program. We are looking for home hosts between April 17 - May 8 to welcome these distinguished guests! What do home hosts do? Click here!.
>>> For more information, contact Johnelle Causwell at 704-333-8099, ext. 121 or via email.
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ESL Class Completes Nutrition Program!
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On March 28, our ESL class completed the North Carolina Expanded Food and Nutrition Program (EFNEP). EFNEP is a government-funded organization that presents seminars to local groups that do not typically have access to information about healthy food and nutrition. The class enjoyed learning about healthy recipes and weekly food budgets!
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The All Ethiopian Community in Charlotte Celebration!
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On March 10, the All-Ethiopian Community in Charlotte, a Midwood International & Cultural Center tenant and International House neighbor, celebrated its first community event in its new home at Midwood. The event commemorated Ethiopia's victory over Italy at Adwa.
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Volunteer Spotlight: Rachel Crabtree
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Rachel Crabtree with Flor Aceidono, an ESL student
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This month we are happy to feature Rachel Crabtree in our volunteer spotlight! Rachel has been an ESL teacher with International House since August 2012. She currently teaches two classes a week, and her students love her! We asked her to talk about her favorite memory and why she volunteers. Here is what she said:
What is your favorite memory?
My favorite memory was when my students surprised me with a birthday party. I had mentioned my upcoming birthday to them in class. They came together to prepare a cake, drinks, plates and even a gift! None of them really know each other outside of class. So a lot of communication had to go on between them. During the party, all of the students sang "Happy Birthday" to me in English. But then, individuals also sang "Happy Birthday" in their native languages. It was very special and unique experience. It really showed me that my students care about the class and me.
Why do you volunteer at the International House?
I volunteer at the International House because I really enjoy it! I love International House and everything they are doing for the Charlotte area. I enjoy spending time with people from different countries and backgrounds that are different than my own. I always marvel that my students come to class each week to learn English when I know they have a busy work and family life. Their motivation keeps me eager and excited to come to class each week to help them with their studies.
Thank you for all that you do, Rachel!
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Save the Date!
Our annual benefit gala will celebrate a Silver Anniversary.
Mark your calendars now
and join us at the Westin on
October 26, 2013 to celebrate
"America The Beautiful!"
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Farewell to the
Ogano Family
Last month, International House held a farewell luncheon for Mr. Teruyoshi Ogano, Principal of the Japanese Language School in Charlotte, and his wife, Fumie Ogano. Fumie has been the facilitator of our Japanese Conversation Hour. Best wishes to the Ogano Family!
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Doorways Group
Doorways is a group of international women meeting on the first Wednesday of each month for social and cultural exchanges.
The next Doorways meeting will be at 10:00am on Wednesday, April 3 at International House
To participate,
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Who Else Is "In
The House"?
Universal Institute for Successful Aging (UISAC)
(Room 208, 1817 Central Ave.)
UISAC is offering:
Indian dance classes
- Second Sunday of each month
- Time: 3:00 - 4:30pm
- Pre-registration is required.
Yogic Meditation /
Healing Energy Class
- Fridays, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
- Saturdays, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Movement & Flow Class
- Thursdays, 1:15pm-2:15pm
All sessions are FREE.
For more information,
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