Manchester Introducing New Program to Help Residents Learn English

There’s a new initiative starting in Manchester tonight, with the goal to help non-English speaking residents in our community learn our language.

Over the past couple years, there has been an influx of people coming to the Manchester area from Puerto Rico. They are U.S. citizens who have been recruited to work here by our local industries, such as XL Specialized Trailers. These industries are facing a shortage of workers and the Puerto Ricans are helping to fill job positions, with a little more than thirty workers – and families – arriving so far.

But Manchester Mayor Connie Behnken says as they try to make their home here, they are experiencing some language barriers as they predominantly speak Spanish. 

Manchester resident Sarah Hermanson says she and her husband, Scott, have gotten to know one of these Puerto Rican families as their neighbors.

Hermanson came up with the idea to host a program that would allow these families coming to Manchester to learn English.

This new program, called Conversational English Gatherings, begins tonight at St. Mary’s Church in Manchester. It will be held every other Monday night from 6 to 7 pm, with a different topic each week.

But Hermanson says they’ll need the community’s help to make this happen. Volunteers would be appreciated to help with childcare (as free childcare will be provided during the program). They’re also welcoming anyone who would like to help teach English or just be a friendly, welcoming face to greet them at the door.

Mayor Behnken is hoping this will not only help these Puerto Rican families and others in the area to learn English, but to also feel like they’re a valued part of the Manchester community as they make it their new home.

If you would like more information about the Conversational English Gatherings that will begin tonight in Manchester, you can text Sarah Hermanson at 319-981-1758.