Building Skills Together: One Learner's Story from the ESL Reading & Writing Circle

Our amazing facilitator, Filomina Abdi, recently sat down with one of our learners to talk about building skills together, and discuss one learner's story from the ESL READING & Writing Circle. A program held in partnership with the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society. 

This free weekly program, delivered in collaboration with nonprofits, community centers, and agencies, supports participants in building their English literacy skills. Tailored to meet a variety of needs, it offers an engaging and accessible approach to learning.

Here’s what one of our learners had to say about their journey through the ESL Reading & Writing Circle:

Hi, my name is [A]. I attended ESL Reading and Writing Circles. I originally from Ukraine, I'm marketer by profession. My husband and I came here 10 months ago, so we're now adjusting to new culture, to new language, etcetera.  It's hard for me to communicate with people in English, so I was really glad when I received e-mail from CCIS about this program. 

My learning goal is to expand my vocabulary. To learn how to pronounce words correct, and grammar.

I will know [I have reached] my learning goal when I be able to speak with native speakers easily and don't afraid that I make some mistakes. Hopefully when I pass English exam. Also when my phone stopped to fixing my errors, when I'm texting something. Yeah, I think at this moment I will understand that I reached my goal. 

What did I like most about the program? I like most about the program that is, this program is really focused on basic skills. On those common pronunciation mistakes and small talks and really common topics about day-to-day life. 

What have I learned in program? I learn how to pronounce words correct. How to pronounce vowel; how they should be pronounced, depending by where [they are] in the word, it's really helpful. So now I can read more correctly. Yeah, easily and make less mistakes.  And vocabulary, I expanded my vocabulary with topics like small talks, daily routines. 

How have I used what I learned outside? I already used what I learned with my coworkers. When I tried to make some small talks when I introduced to new people. So it help. 

Was there a favorite thing that [I] liked about the program? What I liked, interacting with others that I liked the most, being able to converse with other people, or just the learning part of it. Yeah, the favorite part is learning. I learned something new and this is very useful. It's good to speak, to talk to others. 

If you are interested in our Reading & Writing Circle, please contact us at programs@furthered.ca or call us at 403-250-5034 for more information.