The Power of Partnership
Written By Inasmuch Community SocietyInasmuch serves Refugee Claimants who’ve fled their home in a desperate search for safety. When they arrive in Canada, many speak little to no English. They desire to learn, but due to their claimant status they aren’t permitted to join the government LINC program. We saw the need for an affordable, accessible ESL program for newcomers but we didn’t have the classroom space or teachers to make it happen.
Enter Seven Oaks Alliance Church! Eight years ago they began offering a robust ESL program. Church members volunteered their time to teach. Over time, Covid and other challenges led to a point where they were about to close their doors on this ESL program. Enter Inasmuch! An amazing partnership was formed. Seven Oaks Alliance Church provides classrooms, teachers and other supplies. Inasmuch registers students and provides oversight and staffing of the program. Settled in the heart of the city between the mall and the most frequented Timmy’s, the church is very excited about being a welcoming haven to people from all over the world.
New Leadership
In January, Kara Bergstrom began as our new ESL Coordinator:
"I'm inspired by the teachers' dedication and commitment to helping each student learn English. They care so deeply,” she says. “I’m amazed at the strength and tenacity of the students I’ve met from 13 countries. The world has come to Abbotsford!"
Did you know ...?
Inasmuch ESL students come from 13 Countries:
Ukraine
China
Korea
Vietnam
DR Congo
Mexico
Iran
Venezuela
Honduras
Afghanistan
Syria
Russia
Colombia
Confidence and Friendship
If you’ve traveled where English is not spoken, you know how disorienting it is to navigate on your trip. Imagine how tough it is to manage all the tasks of daily life! Many Canadians speak fast and mumble, often using slang. For newcomers, speaking and understanding English can be extremely challenging.
Our ESL community is a friendly environment where each student is known, welcomed and supported. Morning and evening classes accommodate work schedules. Students learn alongside others facing similar struggles and barriers.
One man expressed his gratitude:
“Thank you so much. My wife is attending ESL and she has enjoyed the program so far. The more time she spends with classmates, the more confidence she gains. It provides an opportunity to meet friends from different countries to share different opinions, cultures and ideas.”
Volunteers
The ESL program is almost entirely dependent on volunteers. Teachers, classroom helpers, coffee hosts and bakers collaborate to make it happen every week from January to June. Listen to Ellie Loewen’s description of what it means to her to contribute her gifts:
"I was sitting there praying for God to give me an opportunity to share my passion for others and my experiences teaching adults from other countries when my phone rang... I was invited to teach at the Inasmuch ESL program! Tears welled up in my eyes. It’s a joy to help each student speak with confidence and adapt to life here in Canada."
How Can You Help? Donate!
Click Here to donate $40 to cover ESL workbook for a student who can't pay
Volunteer
Be an evening host. Serve refreshments on Tuesday or Thursday evenings from 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Seven Oaks Alliance Church (A weekly, 1-hour commitment)
Be a teacher on call when teachers are unable to attend (Curriculum provided)
Be a class helper. Help students with homework and conversation (No teaching required)
Bake treats. 2 dozen cupcakes, cookies or muffins covers snack during coffee break
Currently in need of these items this week:
Blenders - 2
Coffee maker - 2
Iron - 2
Throw blanket - 5
TV - 2
Pots and pans - 2 full sets
Sheets (Twin, Double and Queen) - 4 sets of each
Quilts (Twin, Double and Queen) - 4 sets of each
Vacuum cleaners - 2
Please contact donations@inasmuch.ca to arrange drop off of items. Please state in the email which items you can donate.
Thank you for your donation of these items needed by our newest families arriving very soon.