The English Language Learners (ELL) Program – Madhavi Kancharla

Teacher's Reflections

The English Language Learners (ELL) program, which I have the privilege of leading, is a weekly initiative dedicated to supporting students from low-income families. We meet every Sunday from 11:15 AM to 12:15 PM at Chinmaya Mission Haridwar – Portland, where a team of enthusiastic and committed high school volunteers provides personalized instruction in English language skills, basic math, and general academic support.

Our goal is to empower these students by strengthening their foundational skills, boosting their confidence, and fostering a love for learning. The peer-to-peer model not only helps the ELL students but also gives our high school mentors a meaningful opportunity to give back to the community, develop leadership skills, and build lasting relationships.

We are proud of the supportive, inclusive environment we’ve created, and we continue to grow each week — one hour, one lesson, and one student at a time. In addition to working with children, we also offer support to adults who are eager to improve their English skills for everyday communication and personal growth.