RTC's ESL students practice what they learned: Dancing, singing and English at Coulon

"I brought African food," belted a student, holding up a large bowl of tin-foil wrapped goodness.

Eyes brightened and looked up from plates of Asian noodles and fried chicken.

The food at Renton Technical College's basic-studies block party was as diverse as its students.

"We always look forward to the end of the quarter, because it's a time to enjoy ourselves," said Lilian Egbejimba, an immigrant from Nigeria, who left the corporate world of banking to teach English as a Second Language (ESL).

About 200 people enjoyed the festivities Monday at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park, which included booths that introduced students to resources in the community.

"It's all about the community," said Jenna Pollock, a curriculum and technology specialist at the college.

Faculty intermixed with students' friends and families.

"The kids come, which brings more flavor to it," Egbejimba said.

Dancing in a circle, the students and teachers jammed to upbeat American tunes.

"I use music to teach," Egbejimba said. "In my class we play songs with lyrics and they read along with the lyrics."

Dancing and singing at the party was an extension of what students have learned, and it was often the favorite part of classes, she said.

For some the party was also an opportunity to encourage others to pursue education.

"I want to show my friends what I'm doing," said Abdikani Malak, who immigrated from Somalia about four years ago and is now working on his General Equivalency Diploma (GED).

"It's not just a party, but (it's) educational," he said.

Immigrants are often close, because they share a common foundation, Egbejimba said. "Being an immigrant, I always wanted to help other immigrants."

Contact Renton Reporter Staff Writer Celeste Gracey at cgracey@rentonreporter.com or 425-255-3484, ext. 5052.

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