ECALA releases an annual Impact Report highlighting the effect our funded agencies have on the adult foundational learners within their communities. The complete ECALA 2023-2024 Impact Report can be found here.
Learner Stories
The most fascinating thing about doing lessons on Zoom is that suddenly, my learner became a three-dimensional person. In the past, the children came with her to classes, so I met them, knew their names, had interacted to a degree, even helped them choose library books. Now, Zoom lets me into their home and them into mine. I’ve been in their kitchen, living room, wherever she happens to be doing her lessons. We play peek-a-boo over Zoom, we have shared life stories, sorrows, joys, triumphs. Being in each others’ homes has opened the door in a way my learner or I never imagined. We’ve seen each other tired, sad, joyful, discouraged and have encouraged each other, rejoiced with each other, advised each other and still we teach and learn from each other. Literacy is so much more than learning to read or write. She is one of the most determined people I have ever met. No matter what comes her way, she never loses sight of her goal — to become a better reader, writer for her family and mostly for herself. She is now reading to the baby, a goal she had. She is choosing library books for us to read together. She is job searching, found a job, lost a job, but is still determined to find the right job to support the family she loves.” –Tutor with CFL
W and her husband immigrated from mainland China a few years ago. They didn’t know much English so they attended LINC program but found it quite difficult to follow. They were frustrated and began to doubt if they would ever be able to learn any English for daily communication. A friend encouraged them to join the new class for beginners designed to learn daily English. They felt the course was well-designed and the teachers cared about their individual needs and offered students a lot of opportunities to practice English conversation, first in a small group, then with the whole class once they built up their confidence. Teachers did not expect students to speak perfect English and they learned from their mistakes quickly. W and her husband feel they have their confidence back.” –Learners ASSIST pilot class Daily English for Beginners
“I feel comfortable in the class. I am among my peers. I feel a sense of home here. Before starting this class, I was unable to say one English word. I couldn’t write my own name. I have improved so much this year.” –Learner in Alberta Immigrant Women and Children’s English Class
Impact Reports
Our Strategic Direction
