Over 35 ISSofBC students and volunteers shared their favourite outings and time spent with their partners during Wednesday evening’s Learning in Action (LIA) year-end wrap up at the Coquitlam City Centre Library.
ISSofBC’s LIA program pairs volunteers with newcomer students. The pairs meet at least once a week to explore the community and practise English including opportunities to join other program participants and volunteers on fun group outings.
“Most of the participants mentioned they enjoyed watching hockey together since it was their first time. Several of them would like to continue the match even after the program ends,” said Elsie Decena Volunteer Connections Facilitator in Tri-Cities.
ISSofBC staff first piloted LIA in 2005 as a way to help immigrants gain a sense of Canadian culture, to familiarize themselves with the community and to practise the English lessons learned in class. LIA is offered twice a year through ISSofBC’s dedicated volunteers—during the fall and spring terms.
In addition to the Tri-Cities, LIA is available to LINC students in CLB Level 3 and 4 in Vancouver, Richmond, New Westminster and Maple Ridge.
