Aaron Sherwood is a volunteer teacher at the Lotus Culture Center, a school for continuing adult education aimed at China's minority migrant workers. The school offers students free lessons in a variety of topics to help them up their earning potential. Read on to find out more...

What kind of English do students want to learn in class?

They mostly need a kind of casual conversational English. Because they tend to work in industries like restaurants and tourism, and they need it to talk to customers and various Westerners they might work with. The ability to just talk makes them more employable. The more situations they are able to speak to people in, the more qualified they are and the more money they can earn.

What other kinds of classes can students join?

The Lotus Culture Center offers a Chinese corner, Japanese classes, DJ lessons, and the students give lessons in traditional dance, singing, musical instruments and cooking. But as we grow we want to offer classes in more technical, computer-based skills. The list of classes can be expanded based on what people can contribute.

How much does it cost?

It's free. Ideally some people give back with whatever expertise they have gained in their own lives.

What's the most rewarding thing about these classes for you?

These students really appreciate the opportunity here, so they are very enthusiastic. The enthusiasm seems well-founded too. Some have moved on to better jobs since I started. It is encouraging to be able to see these small but important improvements they are able to make in their lives.

[Lotus Culture Center](http://imqq.cityweekend.com.cn/beijing/listings/community/has/lotus-culture-center/"Lotus Culture Center"
Email: miphamj@yahoo.com Tel: 136-9318-4257