Burna Dunn, English Learning Center Volunteer, Honored with Minoru Yasui Volunteer Award

September 25th – Burna Dunn celebrated for her extraordinary volunteer work with The English Learning Center.

The history of the English Learning Center can be traced back 40 years to the Adult Learning Source (ALS), a school established to provide literacy, GED, and ESL instruction to adult residents of the Baker neighborhood of Denver. When an economic downturn in 2006 forced ALS to end its program, two volunteer teachers, Bud Demko and Laura Fishman found a way to continue providing an ESL program under the name Central Denver Language School.

The school began with no furniture, no teaching materials and about 30 students. The program survived through the generosity of organizations and several teachers who donated money and materials. From 2006-2012, CDLS grew from 30 students to over 70. Operated entirely by volunteers, the school developed the framework and expertise for managing the growing program.

In 2012, the school moved to the Evanston Center near DU and for the first time offered classes in real classrooms. In early 2015, the school was incorporated as a Colorado non-profit organization under the name English Learning Center and received 501c-3 status. ELC has continued with an all volunteer teaching staff and was able to employ a part time administrator and a part time Director in 2018. Their mission is to give everyone the opportunity to learn English at an affordable cost.

As a non-profit adult education program in Denver, their volunteer teaching staff provides English instruction to students from all over the world. Since 2006, they have served over 2600 students from more than 50 countries at a cost of around $1.50 per hour. Their passion is focused on one thing.. . . SUCCESS!

Burna Dunn began volunteering at the English Learning Center in 2016 teaching English to adult immigrants. She generally teaches the lowest levels- those who have little or no English. These are the most difficult classes to teach. She has taught in person and online. She has tutored individuals. She has led conversation classes. She volunteered in a 6-8 week pilot program with no pre-existing materials to teach employees at a Denver recycling plant, (where they had never tried to teach English to employees.)

Dunn helped pilot a test program in English at the Rocky Mountain Welcome Center in Aurora, to encourage Afghan mothers of pre-school children to learn English. According to Julie Feeney, Executive Director, “ Burna’s flexibility and commitment to supporting our community, regardless of the circumstances, demonstrates her exceptional dedication. Burna is a true treasure at the English Learning Center. She is someone who works tirelessly and never seeks recognition for her efforts. Her quiet, consistent contributions are invaluable, and I believe that makes her a particularly deserving candidate for this award.” Burna donated the $2000 cash award to The English Learning Center.