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Learning for All
English for Action’s programs are all based on the participatory approach to education, which is grounded in the philosophy of the late Brazilian educator Paolo Freire. At EFA, facilitators (teachers) and learners (students) are equal partners in the classroom, working collaboratively to develop curricula and lessons that reflect learners’ priorities. In speaking, writing, and creative activities, learners share their stories with each other, respond to current events, discuss community problems and challenges, and finally, take action. Past class projects have included writing letters to legislators about community problems, organizing and participating in neighborhood clean-ups, and producing materials about issues such as discrimination and community health resources. 
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Come Visit Us!
Here is a video from out trip to Arizona to protest SB1070! -
Meet the Team
We believe in transformative education, consensus-based decision making, and working for and being accountable to the community where we live and work.
Guided by Brazilian educator Paulo Freire’s participatory pedagogy, EFA learners and facilitators work together to co-construct EFA’s transformative programming and curriculum.
We support our learners in gaining leadership skills that prepare them to take on leadership positions with EFA as teachers, staff, and board members, and with other organizations.
About Us
Our History
In 1999, a group of immigrant families and Brown University students founded English for Action (EFA) in order to address the growing need for ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes in the neighborhood of Olneyville, and at the same time to create a community based participatory education model that integrates language learning with social change. For the first two years we offered classes on a small scale grassroots level to fifteen adult learners in Olneyville. To date we have served over 500 families and have further plans for growth and expansion.
Community
We use the process of language learning to build community within and outside of the classroom.
We share knowledge, skills, and time with other like-minded community-based organizations.
We are comrades in movements that advance immigrant rights.
Equal Access to Power
We analyze and challenge existing power dynamics and distribution of resources in our society and within our organization.
We are dedicated to providing alternative leadership and work opportunities within our organization to Latino immigrants.
We practice transparent and inclusive decision-making regarding the organization’s finances, programming, curricula and staffing.
Learning Based in Dialogue
We believe in the inherent worth, wisdom and dignity of every human, because we recognize that we all have something to teach and learn.
In the classroom, learners and facilitators are equal partners working collaboratively to develop a living curriculum that reflects learner priorities and realities.
We emphasize a culture of cooperation, collaborative and democratic decision-making, and shared responsibility in our work and relationships.
Commitment
We focus on building quality relationships, programs and methodologies.
We strive to reflect our values in all aspects of our work and relationships.
We recognize that these values take work to attain and are committed to being honest about the challenges we face in pursuing our goals.
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Class 3
Jun 21st, 2010 | No Comments -
Class 2
Jun 21st, 2010 | No Comments -
Class 1
Jun 21st, 2010 | No Comments -
Gallery
Jun 21st, 2010 | No Comments
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Learn English
Jun 19th, 2010 | No Comments -
Hello world!
Jun 11th, 2010 | 1 Comment
About Us
Our History
In 1999, a group of immigrant families and Brown University students founded English for Action (EFA) in order to address the growing need for ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes in the neighborhood of Olneyville, and at the same time to create a community based participatory education model that integrates language learning with social change. For the first two years we offered classes on a small scale grassroots level to fifteen adult learners in Olneyville. To date we have served over 500 families and have further plans for growth and expansion.
Community
We use the process of language learning to build community within and outside of the classroom.
We share knowledge, skills, and time with other like-minded community-based organizations.
We are comrades in movements that advance immigrant rights.
Equal Access to Power
We analyze and challenge existing power dynamics and distribution of resources in our society and within our organization.
We are dedicated to providing alternative leadership and work opportunities within our organization to Latino immigrants.
We practice transparent and inclusive decision-making regarding the organization’s finances, programming, curricula and staffing.
Learning Based in Dialogue
We believe in the inherent worth, wisdom and dignity of every human, because we recognize that we all have something to teach and learn.
In the classroom, learners and facilitators are equal partners working collaboratively to develop a living curriculum that reflects learner priorities and realities.
We emphasize a culture of cooperation, collaborative and democratic decision-making, and shared responsibility in our work and relationships.
Commitment
We focus on building quality relationships, programs and methodologies.
We strive to reflect our values in all aspects of our work and relationships.
We recognize that these values take work to attain and are committed to being honest about the challenges we face in pursuing our goals.
