ISSofBC Maple Ridge recently launched Learning in Action (LIA)—a program dedicated to connecting English speaking volunteers with students keen to practice their conversation skills and learn more about their surrounding community.
The LIA program, which is unique to ISSofBC through the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada program (LINC) matched five Maple Ridge LINC students with five volunteers.
Students and volunteers then go on one-on-one outings together in the evenings or on weekends and have the opportunity to join other program participants and volunteers on fun group outings.
“All are excited to take part in this program and looking forward to the fun field trips that they will be taking together,” said Eysa Alvarez Site Manager/Registration Coordinator for LINC in Maple Ridge.
Former ISSofBC staff Jerry Wu and Jill Collingwood and current Instructional Coordinator Lisa Herrera 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 practice the English lessons learned in class. LIA is offered twice a year through ISSofBC’s dedicated volunteers—during the fall and spring terms.
“We not only have committed volunteers who take time to volunteer for programs like LIA, we also have committed students who give back to the Maple Ridge Community. Yumiko King, our Volunteer Connections facilitator is amazing, her hard work and commitment is valued and noted,” said Eysa.
In addition to Maple Ridge, LIA is available to LINC students in CLB Level 3 and 4 in Vancouver, Richmond, New Westminster and the Tri-Cities.
