Vancouver program aims to help bring seniors and immigrants out of isolation
Posted February 1, 2016 12:22 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Organizers of a new program that offers free ESL conversation groups for seniors and immigrants is being called a runaway success.
English Conversation Circles for immigrant seniors have been going on since November and are organized through South Vancouver Neighbourhood House. The goal of the program is to bring people out of isolation. Everyone is welcome to take part, regardless of age or background.
Facilitator Connie Clark says Justice Minister Suzanne Anton and federal Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan have offered their support and organizers are looking for donations and volunteers because demand has been so high.
“In 2016, people live more isolated lives than even 25 years ago. We are changing lives directly where people are at. It’s making a huge impact and people are feeling empowered. And within a few weeks, working with our facilitators, they’re engaging in English, they’re feeling more confident dialoguing with their family and with other people in their lives. This is working.”
Clark says they currently have 26 volunteers who are engaging in group discussions in more than a dozen locations throughouth the city. Some of the topics include Canadian traditions and how to ask questions at a doctor’s office.
Demand for more classes is growing and Clark hopes donations will help them expand not only in the Lower Mainland, but across the country.
Anyone interested in making a donation or volunteering their time can contact Amie Peacock at (604) 324-6212.
