Regional Connections Immigrant Services celebrated the successes of its language students with a ceremony in Winkler last week.
The June 13 event, held at the Central Station Community Centre, was a first for the organization.
Though graduation celebrations have been held in the past for local Adult Literacy Program learners, this year’s bash encompassed the entire student body, including participants in the Learning Instruction for Newcomers to Canada and English at Work classes in Winkler, Morden, and Altona. The organization also offers these classes at its Dauphin location as well as online.
Every single student in the language program is to be lauded for their dedication to self-improvement, said Regional Connections executive director Steve Reynolds.
“It’s no easy thing as an adult to learn a new language or to improve your literacy skills,” he told the assembled crowd. “Your life is already full of commitments, responsibilities, and relationships. Sometimes it feels like there’s so much to do and so little time. Then add on top of that the hundreds or even thousands of hours to learn a new language— it’s a tall task, but it’s worthwhile and you’re doing it.”
Language and literacy classes for locals and newcomers to Canada alike stretch back over 40 years, Reynolds shared.
“The English at Work program started in 1983. Our adult literacy program started in 1988 and our ESL program for newcomers started in 1998,” he said, noting these programs have grown today to support more students than ever. “Over 1,300 people registered for classes at Regional Connections this past year. Our staff worked tirelessly to address a wait list that was often 100 to 200 people long waiting for a spot in a language class.”
In his valedictory address, Danylo Olehov reflected on what learning English has meant to him.
“The importance of learning a new language cannot be overstated. It’s not just about acquiring a new set of words or mastering grammar, it’s about unlocking new opportunities and opening doors to a world of possibilities.
“Through language we connect with people, understand different cultures, and build bridges across diverse people in the community,” Olehov said. “During our time at Regional Connections we have experienced that transformative power of language.
“The dedicated teachers and supportive environment have been instrumental in our process,” he continued, thanking the program’s staff for their patience and encouragement. “Each lesson has brought us one step closer to fluency and has instilled in us the confidence to navigate this new world.
“Mastering English will lead to better job prospects, higher education, and a successful, more fulfilling life. It allows us to fully participate in society, express our thoughts and ideas, and contribute to our community.”
Fellow student Diana Kravchenko echoed those sentiments in her thank-you address to the teachers.
“A different language is a different vision of life,” she said, quoting Italian film director Federico Fellini. “[It is} in the knowledge of this new view of life, in the knowledge of a new language, the Regional Connection teachers have [given] us.
“I sincerely credit you for your constant self-sacrifice and daily dedication,” she said. “Thank you, our dear teachers, for believing in us and always giving us an incentive—sometimes a powerful kick—and for being honest with us.”
Language program director Rhoda Keck said these classes have a profound impact on the hundreds of students they reach each year, no matter what level of speaking or literacy skills they come with.
“It is definitely life-changing. It makes a difference between being isolated in your home, being isolated when you walk out into public and you don’t know what people are saying, you don’t know what the words on the street signs mean, and then being able to slowly make out words, being able to greet people, your neighbours on the street, being able to get a job, and to not just get a job, but also upskill in your job.
“So even the higher-speaking students, when they come to class and they learn a lot about workplace culture and about improving their workplace or their writing skills, it has huge impact on their life in Canada.”
