Led by Konovia Mikeal, WHDC's Adult Education Director, they practice their English language exercises carefully. They are gathered in the Lincolnia Community Center at Strawbridge Square Apartments on a Wednesday morning. Some have children sleeping in their laps. Most are immigrants who have come to the Adult Basic Education Class to improve their English language skills so they can eventually take the GED exam. WHDC's emphasis on adult education is a critical component of the Continuum of Care that Wesley Housing is making available to increasing numbers of residents.
Many residents have other needs.
English as a Second Language is a popular choice at both basic and intermediate levels, as are life skills classes provided by the Women's Center of Vienna. The most popular offerings, however, are the computer classes, which are filled to capacity. These classes are offered in conjunction with Northern Virginia Community College, and students receive credit, and are awarded a certificate when they complete the course work. Courses are generally 10 weeks and are offered four times a year. One of the nice things about offering the programs on site is that we are able to gauge resident interest.