San Francisco Metropolis School Trustee Appears to be like To Save Cantonese-Language Courses – CBS San Francisco
SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) – With the City College of San Francisco’s Cantonese language program suspended due to budget cuts, a City College trustee on Wednesday announced a proposal to save the program – which he believes will benefit the city’s historic Chinese community is essential.
For the coming spring semester, City College is only offering one Cantonese course.
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Since the program does not offer a certificate, it is likely to be cut back, according to Alan Wong, trustee of the City College Board, as community colleges are funded in part based on achievement scores, as measured by degrees and certificates.
Wong has proposed moving City College to include Cantonese classes in degree programs and certification programs by entering into transfer agreements with four-year institutions like the University of California so that Cantonese classes count towards a degree. In addition, Wong’s proposal calls for City College to develop a certificate for teaching Cantonese.
Wong noted that his proposal would not cost the financially troubled school any new costs.
“Saving the Cantonese program is not just about protecting Chinese culture, language and history. It’s also about the very practical need to ensure that our very large Cantonese-speaking Chinese community has access to public safety, health care and social services, “he said in a statement. “Reducing the program would mean wiping out an entire population in need of bilingual services.”
Cantonese is the most widely spoken language by the city’s Chinese community.
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Though Cantonese classes serve different purposes for students, Wong says the classes also serve public safety, health care, and the social workers who serve Chinese residents.
Wong’s proposal is supported by more than 20 community organizations, including Self Help for the Elderly, Chinese Hospital, Chinatown Community Children’s Center, and Chinese for Affirmative Action.
“Health and safety are important to Chinese seniors. Many are locked in their homes and are afraid to come out. Due to the language barrier, our senior community does not have sufficient access to social and victim support services. Older people often choose not to ask for help or to call 911 because they believe no one can speak to them, “said Self Help for the Elderly President and CEO Anni Chung. “If we help the younger generation to become bilingual, the communication gaps for our seniors will be closed.”
“It is difficult for victims who need interpreting to use a telephone interpreter app to communicate in an emergency. When victims hear that I speak Cantonese, trust is instantly built and the victim is relieved, “said medic and firefighter Doug Mei of the Asian Firefighters Association. “Unfortunately we don’t have enough bilingual first aiders with sufficient language skills. This is where the City College classes come into play. “
Earlier this year, college officials cited low school enrollment as a reason the school faced a budget deficit of more than $ 22.7 million and was considering budget cuts, including layoffs and the phasing out of several programs.
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