Grant helps Ukrainian newcomers learn English

The Maples

The Maples

The Manitoba government’s recent $500,000 grant to the Ukrainian Canadian Congress – Manitoba Provincial Council (UCC-MPC) will enable the organization to expand English language training and supports to the many Ukrainian newcomers wanting to make Winnipeg home. It’s also a celebration of a program that grew from an idea three years ago into one that’s served 1,000 people today.

“English language training is one of the most important tools helping Ukrainian newcomers build successful lives in Manitoba, opening doors to employment, education and full participation in our communities,” said Joanne Lewandosky, UCC-MPC president. “We are deeply grateful to the Manitoba government for its ongoing support of Ukrainians forced to come to Canada because of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and for investing in programs that help newcomers integrate and contribute to our province.”

UCC-MPC ESL for Ukrainian newcomers co-ordinator Susan Zuk said the initiative began in May 2023 with three classes. Church and community members sought to help the many Ukrainian newcomers who spoke limited or no English. Because existing services were overwhelmed by the sudden surge in need, new options were needed.

“We thought maybe we could do something,” Zuk said.

Organizers started small, with three classes at Ste. Anne’s Ukrainian Catholic Church in North Kildonan. In time, that’s grown to 39 classes in 15 locations, including four in rural Manitoba. Winnipeg locations include Chief Peguis Junior High School, Maples Collegiate and several churches.

Zuk said the effort benefited from an early stroke of luck. They learned of Smrt English, an English program developed in British Columbia. That came with lessons for various language proficiency levels and tips for class sizes and scheduling. Organizers learned that the ideal class size was at most 20 people and that programs should run three times per week for roughly 12 weeks.

Students also benefit from having Ukrainian-speaking English teachers. Zuk said many taught English classes in Ukraine and jumped at the chance to help their fellow Ukrainians get acclimatized to Canada.

“They had the time, desire and capacity to do it,” Zuk said. “It helps with learning when the students can get explanations in their native language.”

Zuk also credited Smrt English for helping students learn. It tracks attendance, assignments, and tests. Down the road, she envisions helping newcomers from other countries, too. While most classes occur at night, a few are offered during the day, making the options flexible.

“We try to understand what the needs are and fulfil them where we can,” Zuk said.

Whenever they happen, the classes remain popular. Zuk invites those interested to visit the UCC-MPC website at uccmanitoba.ca or visit its social media pages to learn more.

Ukrainian newcomers strongly desire to contribute to their new homes, and English is key to that happening, she added.

“I have friends who are thriving in the community,” Zuk said. “May people come and say, ‘I could not speak English before, but I can speak to you now.’”