What we Do

In community centres, neighbourhood houses, and libraries across B.C. there is a growing cohort of volunteers who create weekly gatherings to engage newcomers to Canada in uplifting conversations on topics relevant to community life. While the program assists newcomers to practice conversational English, its greatest value is that it tried to foster friendships and build a sense of community. One commentator has stated that "loneliness has become one of the most common ailments of the modern world". Reflections from English Corner participants are telling: “Nobody ever talked to me here. This is the first time I’ve made friends in Canada”. English Corner creates an environment of mutual support and assistance, and the facilitators actively look to recognize each participant’s talents and capacities and encourage them to contribute those abilities to community building.

To learn more, visit the Colibri Learning Foundation: https://www.colibrilearning.org/