Crystal Fernandez Richard Olsson Daniel Silva Luis Medina El Paso is a melting pot of cultures, traditions and most

importantly various languages. The two dominate languages found in the city of El Paso are English and Spanish because of the proximity to our sister city, Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico. One of the biggest issues affecting our city is the inability to break down the barriers between English speakers and non-English speakers. The ideal would be creating an environment of bilingual or multilingual speakers where their knowledge of multiple languages allows them to flourish as individuals. Poverty can be traced to lack of education and indirectly to the lack the English speaking skills. The inability to fight for your rights in the language that is readily acceptable in this country creates a stumbling block for those who only speak one language. To an employer an English speaking or bilingual speaker is more valuable than one that cannot speak English. This in turn causes a spike in the unemployment rates within the city for monolingual speakers. Providing those who are not well versed in the English language the opportunity to learn and practice the use of English reduces the rates of unemployment, increases the quality of life and sets the stage for their children to have a better life. In allowing the parents to set the example for their children it not only enriches their crucial learning years, but provides the platform for them to continue on to a higher education. In a recent study conducted by the Science Daily Organization it was found that children who were from homes where parents were literate in English had a better chance of attaining a higher education than those whose parents were not literate. The city of El Paso currently provides for English as a Second Language (ESL) course work for school aged children. However, the effectiveness of this cannot be tested if it is not practiced regularly outside of the classroom walls. Taking the initiative to educate not only the child but the parent as well will provide productive, higher earning El Pasoans not only for today, but also for the future. By breaking down the language barriers encountered in this city we stimulate growth and provide for a better future. Therefore, the problem must be addressed without prejudice. The best way to reduce the effects caused by the inability to communicate is through the implementation and monitoring of ESL programs. Our education system is designed to provide ESL programs to non-English speaking children, however it has been discussed how these programs have failed a portion of these students. Individuals who settle in the city after they have completed their high school education elsewhere miss out on the opportunity to make use of ESL programs in schools. In these cases, an alternative must be considered. These alternatives include spreading word of programs already available to the community in a language that may be understood and if necessary, making more sections of the program available. The benefits of implementing such a plan that not only educates the mind of the young, but also the mind of their parents and adults, El Paso creates a city, which provides new opportunity to its citizens. The programs would prove to be beneficial to the individuals, increase productivity in the work place and thus in turn a more successful city.

Another alternative may include providing incentives for employers to provide these trainings to their employees. Eisen and Seltzer (2006) explain how ESL programs for adults are important and effective in increasing productivity and creating opportunities for individuals: Even with current limitations of public funding for workplace-based ESL programs, some U.S. manufacturers recognize that their survival in a global economy depends upon continuous learning and improvementincluding investments in improving their employees English Language skills. (Eisen and Seltzer, 2006) The research presented by Eisen and Seltzer could be a tool used to educate employers about the importance of ESL programs and job training for their monolingual employees. While there may be some that believe that the implementation of such plans is not necessary, the benefits far exceed any impediments that naysayers may believe exists and City council has the power to create the difference that this city needs to see. By providing the funds to launch such programs and provide incentives for employers to provide and develop their own programs, we take a step forward. It is necessary to take action in order to promote growth in our city. This problem has been identified in many other parts of the nation and employers have taken the initiative to solve the implications that occur from it (Eisen and Seltzer, 2006). Being a border city, we encompass a large population of immigrants. If El Paso takes initiative and generates positive results, it could serve as a positive example for the nation and perhaps prop-up the reputation of the city. The quality of life of our citizens will be improved and the city as whole will reap the benefits of promoting education in our citizens. Bibliography P. Eisen, M. Seltzer, (2006). Improving Improving Workplace Opportunities for Limited English-Speaking Workers. An Overview of Practice in the Manufacturing Sector. Retrieved from: < http://www.jff.org/sites/default/files/ImprovWplaceELL.pdf>