THE BLC CONNECT

"Connect to Bedford . . . by Learning"

The Bedford Learning Connection, Inc. is a nonprofit community education program in
Bedford, Massachusetts that offers great classes and workshops for lifelong learning.


English As a Second Language - Volunteers Needed

It took Tajul and his sister, Parvin, 12 years to get to the United States after their married sister, an American citizen, applied for her family to come here. This large family lived in the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, bordered on all sides by India, except for a small border with Burma. Bangladesh is among the most densely populated countries in the world and has a high poverty rate. This country has suffered from extensive corruption, disorder and political violence.

In 1990, Tajul’s older sister was brought to America by her new husband, and after six years of living here, became an American citizen. She then applied for the immigration of her parents and siblings. In 1996, when Tajul had just completed high school, he received his letter of confirmation that would allow him to come to America after a three year waiting period. In the meantime, to support himself in Bangladesh, he started a business selling TVs, refrigerators, and electronics. Just when his three-year waiting period drew to a close, the Twin Towers were demolished on 9/11 and all immigration from Bangladesh ground to a halt for the next five years.
In 2006, he received his second confirmation letter, and six months later, he received an interview and visa. His married sister living in Bangladesh, Parvin, her husband and two children, also received visas.

In July of 2008, Tajul finally arrived in Bedford, MA. His first job was at Brugger's Bagels but he soon moved to a better job at Whole Foods, where he currently works. He spends two hours every day reading and working on his English vocabulary. He has also signed up for an ESL (English as a Second Language) class at the Bedford Learning Connection. His hopes are to learn English well enough to attend Middlesex Community College to become an engineer.

Parvin has always been a homemaker. Adjusting to America has not been overly difficult, but she and her family have been surprised at the increased auto traffic and the high prices of goods. She too signed up for our ESL class so that she can keep pace with her two children, who are 10 and 16.

In the Bedford School ESL system, there are currently 42 foreign-born children from 11 different countries. Many of them have parents and extended family who speak little or no English. The Bedford Learning Connection is starting its first ESL course for adults this winter. We will work, in conjunction with, the Bedford School Department to offer a range of courses for adults, including writing skills for foreign-born professionals.

Since students are often at different levels and from different countries, there is a real need for volunteers to assist the ESL instructors in the classroom. If you have an interest in volunteering to help in this program, please contact Mary Mady.







Why Not Give Snowshoeing a Try?

That's right, we are offering an Introduction to Snowshoeing and Winter Hiking Class. Winter in New England is unique because there are so many things you can do....outside. Snowshoeing is one!

The benefits of snowshoeing are numerous. Snowshoeing is:

* Fun, inexpensive and active way to visit the outdoors
* Uncomplicated to learn
* Easy to access places with snow
* Excellent cardiovascular exercise for adults and kids
* An pleasureable social group activity

Snowshoes, their proper use and fitting will be discussed along with other equipment, clothing, and safety issues required to safe and comfortable in the outdoors during the winter.

We will be snowshoeing in Bedford's beautiful Hartwell Town Forest on Hartwell Road near South Road. Snowshoes will be provided. Just dress warmly and bring water and a snack.

Sat., Feb. 14, 1:00-4:00 pm
Introduction to Snowshoeing and Winter Hiking
$35 to rent snowshoes and a guided hike

Limited to 12.

Why Should You Care About Self Defense?

All women live with a certain level of risk of violent crime. Statistics show that a woman now 21 years old has a 1 in 4 chance of experiencing a violent crime in her lifetime. For them, much information is already available about how to reduce their risk ("stay alert") and how to respond if something bad happens ("fight back").
Sometimes, violence comes despite the best possible avoidance measures, and when it does, there is often no opportunity to summon help. In those cases, a woman is forced to face her attacker alone, using only her own resources and knowledge to survive. Fortunately, women who are properly trained and confident in their ability to protect themselves can do so quite effectively.

As a woman, you should care about self defense because:
• You are a target for certain types of criminals
• You need to know how to self-protect yourself
• You need a way to fight back, if self-protection fails

This winter, we are offering two self defense classes taught by Winnie Callahan.

We will cover how to be aware of potential danger and practice some basic self defense techniques for beginners. This is a quick one evening introduction. For the opportunity to practice basic skills more in depth, take our 3-week course in March.


Self Defense for Women - Introduction
Wed., Jan. 14, 7:00 - 8:30 pm - $25
Callahan's Karate Studio, 20 North Road, Bedford, MA

AND

Self Defense for Women - Basic Skills
Wed., Mar. 11 - 25, 7:00 - 8:30 pm - $79
Callahan's Karate Studio, 20 North Road, Bedford, MA
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