Gladwin Language Centre is a non-profit English as a Second Language School in Abbotsford, BC which provides English Language services to immigrants and some International Students. The school began in 1993 and has been operating successfully for over 10 years. The centre began 10 years ago as a volunteer organization and located itself in the basement of Abbotsford Pentecostal Assembly on Gladwin Road under the leadership of Kathryn Richards. Its purpose was to provide language training to new immigrants to the community. Although the school supports its programs with Fee for Service programs for International clients, the majority of our programs aim at helping our immigrant population. The centre has its own operating committee consisting of a teacher representative, a college representative, the administrator, and an interested third party. Since its beginnings, the centre has worked with numerous new Canadians of various cultural backgrounds enabling them to develop English language skills so that they may work and communicate in Canadian society. Today the centre continues to serve this diverse cultural background.
From these early beginnings, Gladwin has developed a number of partnerships to enable it to meet the needs of Abbotsford residents. Currently we provide the ELSA immigrant language program under a sub-contract from Abbotsford Community Services. We also partner with Abbotsford Community Services in regards to professional development, community futures workshops, and referrals. Our partnership aims at providing translation services, community information, job location services, and other important information to newcomers to Abbotsford. Our programs also include employment information as well as direct links to Service Canada, Workers’ Compensation, Mennonite Central Committee, CEDO, Sprott Shaw Community College, and the University College Of the Fraser Valley.We also partner with Summit Pacific College, Trinity Western University, Vancouver Community College, and University College of the Fraser Valley with students’ practicum and volunteer opportunities. In addition we have various community volunteers whom have been an invaluable resource in developing conversation classes and instruction.
Our centre provides immigrants with resources concerning law, health, education, and available jobs. In addition, our students are involved with community programs such as the Food Bank, Parks and Recreation, Student Vote, Law Society workshops, and other volunteer programs. For additional information and services we refer our clients and help them connect directly with the many community programs available. This year our centre collected for the Food Bank both at Thanksgiving and Christmas, as well as took part in Student Vote during the Canadian election.
Gladwin has also been working on providing worksite and workplace English training. In the Spring of 2005 we developed a worksite English language program for Weston Bakeries in Langley as a prototype model of English training programs for other businesses in the area. In addition to helping businesses, our aim is to continue to develop worksite English in the Abbotsford area. This need has become evident in our contacts with other organizations in Abbotsford such as Workers’ Compensation, HRSDC, and various job placement agencies. We have had a number of clients referred to us by these organizations to help individuals develop the skills necessary to work successfully. In addition, we continually connect with Abbotsford’s Job bank office and Social Assistance Offices as a resource for help for Abbotsford residents.
As a result of these programs it has become apparent that those we help are able to obtain work and communicate effectively within our society. An example to illustrate is a recent “graduate” of our ELSA program, a young Portuguese woman, who not only completed the language program, but we also trained as an office administrator. She has been able to move into a supervisory position in a large retail business in our town as a result of her education with us.
One of the key results of providing the ELSA program has been the development of ESL classes for immigrants with language proficiency levels higher than level 3. Responding to student need, Gladwin has begun a program of ESL classes, both morning and evening offerings, for clients requiring English language training above level 3 towards TOEFL/IELTS certification. Our classes consist of students wishing to obtain their trades certification or health/education certification. To provide this class we charge a fee that will cover the expenses of provision. All our programs correspond to Canadian Language Benchmarks and objectives, and Gladwin is a recognized assessment centre of this organization. Based on analysis and discussions with our clients, what has become apparent is the need for immigrants to develop their English Language proficiencies so that they can either practice their skills or take University or other training to acquire a trade. Our students have repeatedly emphasized their inability to enter training institutions due to a low English proficiency as well as their inability to practice their skill area until they complete English language training. Many of these immigrants are employed in occupations that pay wages below their career levels.
Two other areas of instruction are being started as well. This has included a Conversation Wednesday class for students to learn and practice conversing in English on a daily basis. The second area has been the start of Computer Skills classes for ESL students where students can learn basic computer programs and skills along with the English Language that corresponds to these programs. These classes have begun in the mornings for interested participants.
Gladwin has also developed services for International students. As many parents accompany their children to study in the Abbotsford area, there has developed an interest in English classes for the parents. Many of these parents hope to learn English for personal reasons as well as to help their children. Presently we provide intermediate and advanced classes for International parents and hop to provide beginner classes as well if needed.
Gladwin’s team of instructors are all experienced TESL/University trained instructors with a desire to help immigrants become at home in their new country. They provide top quality instruction as well as information about Canada to their students. Rapport is high and friendships amongst staff and students as well as between students are strong. In addition to providing cultural information about Canada, classes actively share and take part in cultural celebrations of our students, further enhancing the multicultural nature of Canada.
On March 2, 2006 from 10amto noon and in the evening from 7pm to9pm, Gladwin will be having an Open House where businesses, individuals, students, and their families are invited to visit our centre, take part in classes, and enjoy cultural presentations from our students. We will be having a cake cutting ceremony and refreshments as part of our celebrations. We invite the community to come out and take part in our celebrations.
For more information call: Joan or Jill at Gladwin Language Centre: 604-854-8160. or view our new website at www.gladwinlanguagecentre.com
