A new café is making it easier for immigrants to transition into Canadian life.
The Salvation Army has established the English Café in Winnipeg. Volunteers meet with immigrants every Tuesday evening for two hours to help with conservational skills in English, helping them to understand their child’s report card, and assist with studying for their citizenship or drivers permit.
“We see people from many different countries and religions and we treat everyone with respect and compassion,” Hurmat Habib, volunteer hospitality coordinator.
“It is great that the Salvation Army offers a program like English Café to newcomers and refugees.”
About 10-15 volunteers meet weekly with between 20-30 immigrants at the Salvation Army’s Barbara Mitchell Family Resource Centre.
Volunteers at the café come from a number of organizations, such as Frontier College, Steinbach Bible College, Morrow Gospel Church, Living Hope Community Church and retired teachers who volunteer as English tutors. High school students also offer childcare during the English Café program.
— Staff