Chinatown Manpower Project

If there is a more noble cause in this area, I’d like to see it.
America’s largest Chinatown is only getting bigger. And with that, the community of Chinese immigrants both old and new become less dependent on having to communicate with the world beyond the hood’s borders. Usage of English already varies throughout the many ethnic enclaves of NYC, but the largest, most concentrated one Manhattan needs none of it to thrive. Locals who aren’t part of English speaking social groups or in the service industry don’t have the luxury of being able to practice their English skills often. Enter the Chinatown Manhattan Project.
Instead of the expensive ESL courses offered by other private institutions, this strictly not-​for-​profit organization is the kind of real world training that many locals would benefit from. Employment services, vocational training, and computer literacy are just some of the areas the CMP can assist with low-​income immigrant /​refugee individuals. When it comes to subjects that matter, affordable education is a win-​win for all.
I’ve had the pleasure of occasional volunteering for the English conversation program and it’s hard not to see the value immediately. Many of the folks coming in the doors are from all walks of life, usually limited in their English ability and are just looking for an opportunity to converse with a native speaker on a variety of subjects for 90 minutes a session. It may seem like a ho-​hum exercise for some, but for many attending the classes, this is likely the only English they’ll speak all week.
All volunteer programs make a difference. A helping hand makes an impression for all who are involved in the project. This is a program that ought to receive additional funding and attention for the good vibes it provides to the Chinatown community. As Chinatown continues its seemingly never ending expansion, programs like this are only going to be in greater demand.
It is a rewarding experience that I can’t thank class leader Nelson W enough for letting me be a part of it. For all folks who are looking to contribute their time through goodwill, I highly recommend volunteering at the CMP as their way of giving back.

Though the building is a little run down and it is full of people all time, it is an undeniable fact that CMP delivers quality and affordable services for everyone. I am currently taking an adult learning class at CMP and the cost is super low and affordable. I’m in a small class of about a dozen people, the books are includeded, and the teacher is very approachable and knowledgeable. I am definitely going to take more classes at CMP. I know a good deal when I see one and CMP is a steal.

Every week for the past two years, I have had the opportunity to lead a group of volunteers to help immigrants improve their ability communicate in English in a Conversation Partners class at CMP. Upon entering the building through the side doors on Bayard Street and heading up to the 4^th floor, I always pass by a number of fliers posted on walls detailing classes being offered at the establishment ranging from ESL courses and computer classes to youth programs and citizenship exam preparation classes.
As an NPO, CMP has been around since the early 70’s with a mission to provide job training and education programs for new immigrants in need. Classroom are large and able to hold a max of about 30 students. However, the chipping paint, squeaky wooden floors, and a hardworking janitor that works every floor for 12-​hour days had me realize that funding has been quite a challenge for the establishment.
Yet in the end, it is not the building or classrooms that make me a fan. It is the experiences of meeting kind and generous individuals who come here to offer their time and efforts to help those in need. It is the students that come through these doors with the passion to learn something that will improve the quality of their lives while juggling familial responsibilities or dealing with personal issues. It is the students’ appreciation towards their conversation partners and teachers at the end of every class. It is the satisfaction the teachers and volunteers get from being able to help others.
These people are the reason I go back every week, and Chinatown Manpower Project is the meeting place that facilitates all of this. For that, I am a fan.