Newcomer Women Services’ English students share how the program is changing their lives.
Meet Luwam:
Luwam came to Canada a little more than four years ago, from Eritrea, on the Horn of Africa. Like so many new Canadians, she had to gain an understanding of a new country, new customs, extremes in weather, and living in a city whose population almost equals that of the country she once called home.
But the language?
While learning English won’t come overnight, she knows a linguistic challenge when she sees – or rather, hears and speaks – one.
Luwam grew up speaking Tigrinya, the most widely-spoken language in Eritrea. And if you think English is a challenge then consider Tigrinya. Frequentive past tense, anybody?!
“Yes, English is easier to learn than our national language,” she says with a laugh.
Luwam isn’t on her own when it comes to learning English. Like all Newcomer Women Services’ students, she has thoughtful and attentive teachers like Olga and Elizabeth.
"Luwam is a lovely student. Right now, she studies English online with her little daughter beside her! Life is busy, but she is dedicated to learning!"
Elizabeth Wickwire, Newcomer Women's Services English Teacher
And Luwam has her goals, which she can articulate clearly in her still-developing second language.
“My current learning is at level 3,” she says. “My goal? I need to be at level 4 so I can apply for citizenship!”
That is not her only motivation to learn English, though.
“When I go somewhere with my husband—the store, or the hospital—he interprets for me. He has learned English and uses it at work. I practice with him; he is a good teacher. But I want to speak for myself. It will help me feel powerful and confident.”
Luwam Newcomer Women's Services English Student
Luwam says she’s had to learn all the various words we have to ascribe our Canadian winters. It’s been an adjustment, she admits.
“In my country, we don’t have winter like this,” she laughs. “We have only summer! But you know, the winter… I like it.”
The language program at Newcomer Women’s Services is now online, due to the pandemic, yet the pace of learning is the same, and it will help Luwam in achieving her goal of working in a daycare when it’s over. The virtual sessions are good, but she says she really misses the in-class connections.
“I would like to be with my classmates,” she says. “It can be lonely, not seeing them. But I can be busy with my homework, and I can be with my baby.”
She pauses, as a sudden thought hits her.
“I will practice reading to my little girl!”
Interested in taking English classes? Contact us today for details.