When I began volunteering at the Centre for new Canadians operated by PALM in 2017, I was excited to use my expertise to serve newcomers by teaching English as a second language. I had time off during the summers and they needed help. Now, 7 years later, I have discovered that the Centre is much more than a place for language learning. It is a centre for community and friendship where newcomers can feel welcomed, cared for, and loved.
I have worked with students who have lived in refugee camps, have had no education and struggle to hold a pencil, and I’ve instructed educated women who have worked as doctors and pharmacists in their homeland. Most of my students come from the Horn of Africa, predominantly Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Sudan. They are all motivated to learn, enthusiastic, and most of all grateful for the opportunity. Many take 2 buses in the dead of winter to attend class. They greet me with huge smiles and hugs exclaiming “cold-teacher!” when they arrive. At the end of class some of my dear ladies put their hand on their heart and say “teacher-good!” “So happy!”
Along with the important components of each themed lesson--namely grammar, numeracy, vowel and consonant sound recognition, vocabulary building, spelling, and listening for understanding--I always include an exercise break. My students love the stretching, and they laugh out loud while attempting the actions for The Hokey Pokey and Head and Shoulders Knees and Toes! It is truly delightful to see them expressing such joy!
In order to foster community at the Centre, once a month, classes are replaced by a potluck luncheon. Our students and teachers bring food to share, and we play games together. It’s heartwarming to watch these ladies participate in the activities. They giggle as they race to a chair and groan as they untangle a string tying them to their partner. They have gone through incredible hardship and loss and seeing them enjoy uninhibited play is wonderful!
There’s always a presentation during these potlucks that uses PowerPoint to teach a lesson related to Canadian culture. During one of these presentations, the ladies sat wide eyed as different winter sports equipment was shown and demonstrated! Understandably, most of our students are terrified of ice and snow and would rather cocoon in their apartments until Spring.
Of course, a big part of the culture is the holidays, and the presentation always makes sure to explain the meanings of the holidays. The ladies listen intrigued to hear, many for the first time, the story of Jesus’ coming at Christmas and his death and resurrection at Easter and what he came to accomplish.
Sometimes, deeper relationships outside of the classroom context develop. This is a very special blessing! After teaching an online class for over 2 years, I was invited to an Eid celebration at one of my student’s homes. She had spent days preparing an exquisite meal, and I felt truly honoured to be included. A few weeks later, she came to a festival here in the city with me! We’ve had some good coffee date discussions about my faith and hers.
Please continue to pray for the Centre. There are many women on a waiting list for English instruction. We would love to serve them, but our classes are full and our classroom space is to capacity. God’s kingdom come.