Parwana
English for Women
Opening an entryway into schooling and the learning of English for those who might otherwise never attend English classes.
Hungry to learn
Some refugee women arrive in the U.S. not knowing how to read or write in any language. Many of these women desperately want an opportunity to attend school, but might never do so in mixed gender spaces, or intimidating classrooms filled with more advanced students.
Learn, grow and change
Parwana aims to equip pre- and emerging literate women with the basic English literacy skills needed to navigate life in the US. Unlike most ESL classes, we start with classroom fundamentals: managing class materials like books, pencils and paper, as well as learning to use workbooks and notebooks. And we provide lots of encouragement and support so preliterate students never feel afraid or ashamed.
Why the name Parwana?
Parwana is both a word and a girl’s name in several Asian languages that means butterfly. Since we have all come to Parwana to learn, grow, and change, it is a fitting name for our program—and one we find deeply meaningful.
“Education is the thing that allows members of my community to spread their wings and fly.”
– Khatera
Classes
Schedule
Fall Semester
September – December
Spring Semester
January – May
Class times
Tue – Thu, 9:00am – 12:30pm
Questions?
contactus@friendsofrefugees.com
Student eligibility
- Female, at least 18 years of age with no upper age limit.
- Beginning level English learner.
- New to reading and writing (pre- or emergent literacy).
- Able to commit to class at least 3 days per week from 9:00am-12:30pm, 10.5 hours per week minimum, for at least one semester (16 weeks).
- Able to find childcare if needed (no childcare provided at Parwana).
- Able to walk or find transportation to school (none provided).
- Desire to learn with other women.
Volunteering
Volunteer requirements
- Female, at least 21 years old (required).
- Willingness to regularly commit to at least 2 hours/1 day per week (required).
- Main responsibilities include: general teacher assistance, general student assistance, one-on-one or small group tutoring, targeted speaking practice, materials preparation and organization, classroom set-up and clean-up.
- Experience teaching English (preferred).
- Bilingual speaker (preferred).
- Experience in multicultural, refugee contexts (preferred).
Note: As part of the onboarding process, all volunteers are required to attend the Introduction to Friends of Refugees workshop before volunteering for a program.
