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ESL Cafés are a fun and social way to learn English

The ESLSAP program has provided opportunities for those with English as their newest language
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Anita Price photo Gertrud Springmann

By Anita Price

The Partner Assisted Learning (PAL) English As A Second Language Settlement Assistance Program (ESLSAP) Café fall schedule concluded last month with a delicious Christmas potluck luncheon.

More than 50 participants and guests enjoyed the event, which included a story reading by local author Marianne Van Osch and carolling in two languages.

For the past five years, the ESLSAP program has provided opportunities for those with English as their newest language to develop their English language skills. Volunteer tutors are matched with learners and usually meet for an hour each week to study and practice English together.

Every other week, all participants in the program are invited to attend the ESL Café. The cafés provide opportunities to explore our community, learn about service providers in the area and practice speaking English.

During the good weather months, participants travel throughout the community to visit various locations, such as Hat Creek Ranch, the Williams Lake Museum, Canim Lake, Centennial Park and just about everywhere in between.

During the winter months, meetings are usually held upstairs at the Curling Rink. Wonderful guest speakers have introduced participants to rock hounding, timber supply issues in British Columbia and the life of a federal fisheries officer.

Hands-on activities, such as making pies and pine bough swags for Christmas, were also included in this fall’s café schedule.

New vocabulary was developed through learning how to curl, bowl and play pickle ball.

Some of the favourite cafes have become annual events, such as the Christmas potluck luncheon, storytelling and a summertime picnic.

The meetings begin with introductions, followed by the activity or presentation. A time for visiting, practising conversational English and enjoying refreshments concludes the cafés.

Anyone wanting more information about the program is encouraged to contact the Adult Literacy co-ordinator Mary Packham at 250-395-0404, or mary@caribooliteracy.com. New volunteer tutors are always appreciated.

You may also contact Anita Price at anita@caribooliteracy.com for information about the ESL cafes.

Anita Price is an English as a Second Language facilitator.