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I started volunteering for Frontier College in 2006. I had just returned to Vancouver after teaching English overseas for many years and my plan was to gradually wind down my working life – not completely though because even though the Canadian pension is OK, it can hardly be called a fortune! Besides, I felt I had some “mileage” left in me and wanted to continue being active. I knew that Frontier had a long history of community education but I didn't know quite what to expect in terms of assignment.
At my interview with Frontier College I learned about the ESL program for domestic workers. Through the Canada's Live-in Caregiver Program (LCP), domestic workers come to Canada on provisional visas that enable them to give childcare and do other duties with a family. Frontier College's role is to provide English tutors for these workers. I was asked if I would be interested in becoming a tutor in this program and I felt no hesitation in saying yes. My own background seemed to be a good fit for the work I would be expected to do.
My first two learners quickly convinced me I had made a good decision. These two young women had both been professionals in their own country and needed specific instruction in writing English in order to enhance their bid to gain equivalency certification in Canada. They were a joy to teach, were strongly motivated and, amazingly, found time amid their busy work lives to complete numerous assignments. Today, one has a responsible and well-paid job in her field, is married to the fiancé she had to leave behind in order to come to Canada, and now they are both Permanent Residents of Canada. The other is completing her equivalency studies and has excellent employment prospects. She is planning to marry her fiancé as soon as her final exam results come in. She is also a Permanent Resident and has applied for her fiancé to become one too.
Over the years of teaching English I kept in touch with certain students; this was not always easy as distances were often great. My Frontier College experience, on the other hand, puts me in contact with learners who are usually planning to settle locally and put down roots. In fact, although we no longer meet for “lessons”, I still get together socially with the learners I describe above plus their partners. I can't wait to be a godfather!
So I have come to understand that Frontier College not only educates but helps to build community. It also contributes in a very tangible way to strengthening the multicultural society which is Canada.
(Neil McBurney, volunteer tutor, Vancouver, BC)
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