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Language
Improving English can help you in many ways to feel comfortable living in Canada. It can help you to apply for and get jobs. It can help if you’re running a business. And you can use English every day to talk to neighbours, go shopping, and much more.
Language assessment for children – The Grand Welcome Centre
The Grand Erie District School Board assesses the English skills of students to determine which programs/grades they will be in. The Welcome Centre introduces newcomer families and students to the Ontario elementary and secondary school system. Families must make an appointment. Requires proof of immigration status.
Address: 347 Erie Avenue, Brantford
English Language Classes for Adults – ESL – Grand Erie Learning Alternatives (GELA)
GELA provides language assessment and English as a Second Language (ESL) classes for adult newcomers (age 18+). A newcomer’s speaking, reading, writing, and listening skills are assessed to determine their level of English and what classes they are the best fit to attend. Classes apply to convention refugees, refugee claimants, and those newcomers holding an initial letter of approval from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada. Note: Because of high demand, you may have to wait several months for an assessment.Â
Address:Â 627 Colborne Street East, Brantford
English Conversation Circle
YMCA Settlement Services offers informal English conversation circles to give newcomers a chance to practice and improve their English speaking skills, make friends, and share information about their culture. Weekly conversation circles are held Mondays, 6 to 7 p.m., at the Simcoe branch of the Norfolk County Public Library.Â
Another English Conversation Circle for Ukrainians is held Tuesdays, 6 to 7 p.m., at the Schafer House, Schafer Side Road, near Delhi.
Simcoe Location: Norfolk County Public Library, 46 Colborne Street South, Simcoe
Brantford: Norfolk residents who have transportation can also attend the YMCA’s English Conversation Circles held Mondays and Tuesdays, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at the Brantford Public Library downtown branch, 173 Colborne Street.
Caledonia: Norfolk residents can also attend one held Fridays 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. at Community Support Centre Haldimand Norfolk at 103 Inverness Street.
Must be a permanent resident or convention refugee.
Moms and Tots Program – Norfolk Community Help Centre
The Norfolk Community Help Centre helps women from the Low German Mennonite community to speak, read, and write English. The program runs from October to April each year.Â
Address:Â Houghton Public School, 505 Fairground Side Road, Langton
Conversational English Classes – Simcoe Office, Catholic Community Services of York Region
Offers informal Conversational English Classes to international agricultural workers. Times and location of classes vary. They arrange virtual language assessments for newcomers with the YMCA Immigrant Services in Hamilton.
Address: 191 Queensway West, Simcoe
Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) classes
Norfolk area residents can attend free classes in Caledonia, if they have their own transportation. Newcomers can gain confidence in their English skills and improve their speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Newcomers can also learn more about Canadian culture and daily life. Students must be Permanent Residents or Convention Refugees to Canada and have a valid language assessment through the YMCA. Classes are held Tuesdays or Thursdays, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Address:Â Caledonia Public Library, 100 Haddington Street
LINC Home Study Ontario – Learn English at home
Some newcomers may be able to take free LINC English classes from home. They must have a language assessment and meet other requirements.
Mauril and CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation)
Improve your English or French by using the free Mauril app (Apple or Android). It uses CBC audio and video content to build language skills.