By Youdon Tenzin
Hanna, her mother Kateryna and 11-year-old daughter Viktoriia, fled Ukraine due to the recent Russian invasion. They settled in France for three months before coming to Canada in June 2022.
Hanna recalls, “it was so hard to live in France because we didn’t understand the language,” and that her daughter had a hard time coping having been schooled in English back in Ukraine.
The family decided to move to an English-speaking country. Arriving here, they realized a need to improve their English language skills. Then Hanna and Kateryna enrolled in the Mennonite New Life Centre of Toronto (MNLCT)’s Language Instruction for Newcomers in Canada (LINC) program.
For 68- year-old Kateryna, learning a new foreign language “was hard,” however, she hastily rose from level 0 and is now in the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 2 class. She says that her instructor makes her feel welcome in class and ensures she can follow her lessons properly.
Hanna has been taught by several instructors since she started at MNLCT. She is appreciative of her first instructor at her CLB 5 class, who besides being a teacher, guided her in learning about the multi-faceted Canadian life. She learnt from him about the law, and she got information about acquiring a driver’s license.
When Hanna’s English improved to CLB 6, her instructor helped her to get information about bridging programs. She is currently attending York University’s Bridging Program for Internationally Educated Professionals (IEPs).
In her CLB 7 class, Hanna’s general and academic English improved a great deal.
I see a big difference between when I started and my situation today. It is much easier for me to read and speak English.” Hanna explains.
The pair enjoyed the friendly environment, diversity in topics and flexibility of the LINC class schedules.
Kateryna has started speaking English more in her daily life, a “big deal” for Hanna because her mother is “more independent now”. Although she still finds some difficulty, Kateryna can hold a conversation with her granddaughter’s tennis coach. Viktoriia often helps her grandmother with her homework.
Kateryna also participated in MNLCT’s fitness lessons, the Mental Health Support Group for Ukrainians, and the whole family enjoys the BEAR Hikes for newcomers.
“Sometimes it is very hard [for newcomers]. So, I wish for you to continue to be a very high-quality centre,” says Hanna with a smile.
