REGINA – For many Canadians communicating in English requires no second thought as it’s many people’s first language.
But that isn’t the case for everyone, especially newcomers to Canada such as Syrian refugees.
“In the beginning of my life here it was so hard to understand what others were saying to me,” said Tuqa Diarbakerli, a Syrian immigrant who still has family in war the torn country.
Diabakerli and her family immigrated to Canada four years ago not knowing any English. She said it was tough.
“I remember when we were in the bank doing some procedures; the employee asked me some questions like how are you finding Canada? And I did not know how to answer,” said Diabakerli.
She’s now a fourth year psychology major at the University of Regina. Though, Diarbakerli credits her success to integrating to free English language programs like the one offered at the Regina Public Library (RPL).
But such programs are in need of help.
“We have a waiting list in the neighbourhood of 250 people,” explained RPL director Jeff Barber.
That number will grow with an influx of refugees soon to call Regina home. It’s why RPL is urging the public to become volunteer tutors.
“If they’re a high school graduate, if they can join us through a tutor training program and dedicate a couple hours of week to helping someone learn English then that would be a great fit to what we’re looking for,” said Barber.
It’s what inspired one former English tutor to sign up.
“They’re already going to have so many challenges such as adapting to Saskatchewan life as it is such as the weather. So, I don’t want to make it any harder for them, I’d like to make it easier. So, helping them learn a language faster is a great way to help them,” explained Aurora Elig, who use to teach English overseas.
One of the main goals for RPL is to ensure that newcomers will integrate successfully into Canadian society by understanding the language on a cultural level such as knowing what a double-double means.
The hope is that new Canadians will have the opportunity to experience the Canadian dream.
“My dream is to work in the centre for children development,” said Diarbakerli.
RPL says they hope they can attract up to 350 tutors so that they can relieve their waitlist and also address the expected future demand.
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