From there, I was able to see how important her work was to the community and how much they valued learning a new language.
Although Ambato has plenty of English academies, lessons at these institutions require a tuition. There are many people and families who desire to learn English but do not have the means to pay for these classes. Darcy's free library classes helped give access to an English education taught by a native speaker to which the community would not have otherwise have had access. In Ambato, people desire to learn English for many reasons. For example, some want to travel, and some need to practice their English for work interviews.
When Darcy left Ecuador, I had meetings with the public library about starting up new free classes at the library. The library was so excited to have a new English teacher, and we quickly got to work organizing classes.
As of last October, I have been working with the public library giving a series of classes at varying levels of English. My classes are full of students who come to each class session with an excitement to learn English!
Since I am a volunteer, I teach these classes for free and take the time out of my schedule to help people when they come to me for questions or advice. This opportunity helps my students practice and learn a new language in a fun and dynamic way, and it also helps me get closer to the people in my community. I now have a great relationship with all the administration at the library, and I get to know new and returning students at each session.
