This spring, Vermont Adult Learning (VAL) collaborated with the Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity (CVOEO) to support adult learners with important housing education. Erald Xhaferaj, a Housing Education Specialist from CVOEO, joined VAL instructor Beverly Keim’s Civics class for English Language Learners (ELL) to lead a three-part series on housing and renters’ rights and responsibilities.
The classes were held at the Community College of Vermont (CCV) and served learners from a range of diverse cultural backgrounds. The multilingual students expressed appreciation for the opportunity to learn about housing while practicing their English language skills.
“It was exciting to share resources and information with ELL students so they may be more empowered to advocate for their housing needs,” Erald shared. “I enjoyed their thoughtful questions and expressions of gratitude for my presentations, and appreciate Beverly’s knack for creating a nurturing classroom environment.”
The lessons introduced key topics such as tenant skills, finding housing, sustaining rent, and how to access local resources. By integrating this content into the classroom setting, learners were able to ask questions, share experiences, and build knowledge that can help them navigate housing challenges in Vermont.
According to Beverly, “My students come from cultures where it is normal to know and help their neighbors. As New Americans, they have many more challenges in learning how to find housing and understand the contents of a lease. Erald is particularly skilled at building a rapport that made the students comfortable asking any questions they had. His presentations were a great hit!”
This partnership between VAL and CVOEO reflects a shared commitment to providing accessible, relevant education that supports both language development and essential life skills.