English classes can’t meet demand

Iraqi refugees struggle to find necessary lessons

By Anne Krueger, UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
Monday, April 12, 2010 at 12:04 a.m.

EAST COUNTY — The hundreds of Iraqis arriving in San Diego County each month face a frustrating problem as they try to create a future here.

They need to learn English to get a job and to keep their welfare benefits until they find work, but English classes have been overwhelmed and unable to provide spaces for many.

Saif Matti, 29, who arrived in El Cajon six months ago, recently stood in line to register for an English-language class at the El Cajon Adult School at El Cajon Valley High School. Matti said he hasn’t been able to find work and struggles to find the classes he needs to learn English.

“All the classes are full,â€