English skills the target for funding
A $40,000 grant will help new immigrants and refugees in Vernon improve their English language skills by giving them access to free one-on-one tutoring.
The Vernon and District Immigrant services Society will receive $40,000 in partnership with Okanagan College to deliver the English as a Second Language Settlement Assistance Program.
The funding allows for a co-ordinator to recruit and train volunteer tutors and match those tutors with community members who want to improve their English language skills.
“Having ESL services in our community is essential for helping newcomers feel welcome,” says Vernon-Monashee MLA Eric Foster.
“I encourage everyone that is interested in this program to get involved, either as a tutor or a student.”
Tutoring is focused on the language goals of the learner and can vary from learning how to read a menu and order a meal at a local restaurant to learning sufficient language skills to function at a workplace.
Learning takes place in a variety of community locations depending on the community and the learner’s preference and needs. In some communities, the local public library is the meeting place, while others may meet at a coffee shop, the recreation centre or the curling rink.
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