Language training is an extremely important element in helping newcomers transition into a new community or country. Whether its English language training or French, it can be one of the main contributing factors in attracting and retaining immigrants.
The town of Grand Falls-Windsor does not currently possess an Enhanced Language Training program, however, the post secondary institutions in the region offer ESL training.
The College of the North Atlantic is one of Newfoundland and Labradors public colleges and one of the largest post-secondary institutions in the Atlantic Provinces. The college in Grand Falls-Windsor offers a basic ESL Program in which individuals must have some knowledge of the English language in order to register. Any individual who does not have any knowledge of English would have to be taught by either a private tutor or an individual from the Literacy Council. The program usually runs from September to June, is part of the Adult Basic Education (ABE) Level I course and is free of charge. Lillian Pinsent, ABE Communications Instructor has stated: “The main bulk of individuals that have participated in this course have been from Africa, India and China”.
Some of the colleges also offer intensive ESL programs yearly to individual desiring to ‘teach’ English as a second language. They offer short courses that are approximately 6 weeks long usually in the month of May or the summer. The programs are offered at 5 levels including beginner, Intermediate I, Intermediate II, Advanced I or Advanced II. This program is self-paced and can be started at any level and completed at any speed. All instructors are highly qualified and have standing achievement for Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL). The tuition amount for this training is $3,300 CAD for the 15 week course or $220 CAD per week.
Contact Information: The College of the North Atlantic
5 Cromer AvenueCorona College has been a leader in post-secondary education and has been serving Central Newfoundland since 1987. Corona College in Grand Falls-Windsor. Corona College currently has not yet ran their ESL program but hopes to in the near future-depending on the number of participants registered.
The Newfoundland and Labrador Laubach Literacy Council is a non-profit, volunteer organization that helps all individuals in the province reach their literate potential. This organization provides free, confidential tutoring to adults in reading, writing, speaking, listening, numeracy and other skills. While the main headquarters is located in Corner Brook, Newfoundland, there is a representative for the Exploits Literacy Council located in Grand Falls-Windsor.
Contact Information: Newfoundland & Labrador Laubach Literacy Council
141 O’Connell Drive
Additional Helpful Links to Getting Settled
Refugee and Immigrant Advisory Council (RIAC)
Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Association
http://www.pch.gc.ca/progs/pdp-hrp/docs/cerd/nf12_e.cfmMulticultural Women’s Organization
http://www.multiculturalwomenscouncil.org/index.php
