Grace Presbyterian expands outreach with ESL program

Grace presbyterian Church, 1009 15th ave. s. w., is gearing up to host a second english as a second language course for new Canadians.

Jean pattison, who co-ordinates grace’s program, says sponsoring eight refugees from somalia was an eye-opener for the beltline congregation on the pressing need for such programs.

“These people had never been to a school. they couldn’t converse or function in their own language, let alone try to learn english,” says pattison.

“We don’t want to duplicate any esl programs already operating in other downtown churches, but just to offer another outlet. we want to reach out to those newcomers, particularly women, who can become isolated in their apartments because of language barriers.”

The grace esl program is open to those at literacy levels 1 to 3 and runs monday, wednesday and Friday mornings from 9 a. m. to noon.

The cost for the next six-week course, which begins Feb. 23, is $30, with free child care available for preschoolers.

Volunteers from the church work one-on-one with students to practise conversational skills and instil confidence.

“We felt we were well positioned to offer this because we’re close to bus routes and new Canadians living downtown can walk to our church,” says pattison.

More information is available by calling the church office at 403-244-5861.

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