WOMEN’S ENGLISH CIRCLE
The Women’s English Circle provides important stability for the newcomer women and children of Dorset Park—unlocking opportunities to improve their English and build their leadership skills, while anchoring them in a community that’s been a wellspring of mutual aid and support throughout this difficult time.
CHALLENGE
English being the first official language of Canada makes daily life significantly harder if you do not speak it. 20.6% of Canadians — 6.8 million people — reported having a mother tongue other than English or French. With that being said a lot of individuals especially women have a difficult time settling in and or adjusting to their life here in Canada. The English Circle for Women is a grassroots program in Dorset Park that started over a decade ago when women in the community came together to address a need in the community: a lack of English programs, particularly those that provided childcare for children under 4.
INNOVATION
English Women’s Circle delivers a broad range of settlement services, which help newcomers to acquire new knowledge about the living and working lifestyles in Canada. Their services focus on improving women’s official language skills which in turn increases their confidence and engagement in the community, assist in building their skills through workshops that focus on employment, immigration, and family but most importantly they help form meaningful connections in their communities. For example through these connections, women can be referred to the Newcomer Centre where they receive wrap-around support that allows them to settle in Canada successfully.
“Strong women aren’t simply born; we are forged through the challenges of life. With each challenge we grow mentally and emotionally. We move forward with our head held high and a strength that cannot be denied. A woman who’s been through the storm and survived. We are WARRIORS!”
