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What Others Say
7 testimonials so far on what our participants say about their experiences….
“I had spent several years volunteering in various ESL classes but always felt that there was never enough time to really talk to the learners about their lives and experiences, which is why I was very pleased to learn of the LCCLC's Host Program Conversational Circles.
I began volunteering in 2004 and led a Circle for over 3 years. I really looked forward to going to the Circle each week as there was always a core group of "regulars" who attended and then there were also the new participants who show up one night and enjoy it so much that they, too, become familiar faces in short time. It is great to see participants who arrive in London without knowing anyone become fast friends with those they meet at the Circles, as the evenings are as much about socializing and networking for newcomers as they are about practicing English.
I've met a lot of great people and had a lot of very satisfying, informative and sometimes surprising conversations over the years. No matter how busy or tiring my day may have been, I always departed the Circle feeling energized and content.” Jen
“The Host Program is an excellent way to help people who are new to Canada. I joined the program because my parents immigrated to Canada over 30 years ago and I wanted to help people who had similar struggles. I have had the opportunity to meet and build friendships with unique people from a variety of cultures and backgrounds, both from the Host Program and members of the LCCLC organization.
I helped people one-on-one with their English skills, and some specific needs such as filling out government forms or practicing for job interviews. I truly believe that volunteers in the program can learn just as much from the people they help, as they learn from us. I have learned to be a good listener. My communication skills have improved greatly because listening and speaking clearly is important. These skills help me not only professionally, but in my everyday life as well. I have a newfound understanding for the struggles and obstacles that people who are new to Canada must face, and this motivates me to strive for my goals in the same the way that people we help have. I really enjoy helping people and this is an excellent way to contribute to the community that I am a part of.
Thank you to all those involved in the Host Program and for making this an amazing experience for all those involved.” Brian
"Joining the CCLC Host Program in 1993 shortly after my arrival in London was an amazing experience! It seemed that all our “match” families arrived from warmer climes in the middle of a Canadian winter so there were huge adjustments to help them through!
I remember one Christmas dinner with the first family when the oven died and we had to b-b-que the turkey. I reassured them that this was not usual… necessary… but not normal!!!
Working with these families I realized that there was also a need to work specifically with the women of these families so we began a very successful social group for newly arrived women… which grew and grew! What I learned from those women and what we gave to each other was amazing… and so much fun!
I still maintain regular contact with several families, 2 of whom and their extended family members have become a part of my extended family. How fortunate am I to enjoy such friendships over a 15 year period. I have become a richer person for those relationships!" Susan
“The Host Program has changed my life! I have gained new friends with whom I have shared many experiences, both Canadian and multi-cultural; everything from bird watching to shopping to making Christmas cookies.
I have learned a lot about different cultures and have a much better understanding of what it means to come to a new country as an immigrant - it takes courage, and the support of the Host Program makes that process that much easier.
Hats off to the Cross Cultural Learner Centre!” Alison
"I thoroughly enjoy being a volunteer with the Host Program. The association with a refugee or immigrant family you are asked to befriend is a unique opportunity to observe and be amazed at how peoples’ lives change as they become members of the community. I find that there are always many surprises. Trust is built with the family amid much shared laughter. This is volunteering on a very personal level and the rewards are new friends and an interesting and unconventional learning experience.” Jane
“I've been involved with the Host Program for many years, and more recently through Colborne Street United Church with Joint Assistance Sponsorship of refugee families. Through both experiences I have met wonderful people from ten countries from all parts of the world. Some have become very good friends. Learning about other cultures, and sharing many different kinds of food with them is always a highlight for me. I'm sure I've learned more from them than they have from me.
The latest family that Colborne St. Church sponsored was a family of five from Burma. When seventeen other members of their extended family arrived in London, we were delighted that two people from the Host Program were able to work with us to visit and help these families.
Seeing them learn English, adapt to life in Canada, get jobs, and their children graduate from university makes for a very rewarding volunteer experience and makes the time and effort spent all worthwhile. Helping new Canadians has definitely enriched my life.” Anne
"Several members of New St. James Presbyterian Church (NSJ) attended a series of workshops offered by CCLC in the fall of 2008 and NSJ became a part of the Host Program, by virtue of the many supports NSJ members have willingly given to help three Karen families adapt to life in Canada and to be active in the life of our congregation.
The Host Program of CCLC helps newcomers adjust to our community by matching them with a group of Canadian volunteer Hosts. These hosts offer friendship and advice by sharing information, building up their confidence, helping them practice their English skills, and connecting them with the community.
The centre piece of our Host Program activities with the Karen people from Burma is our Conversation Circles, held once a week for an hour and a half (at least) in one of their homes. These weekly meetings involve at least 12 and as many as 19 Karens with 3 to 6 NSJ volunteers and permit us to address informally but purposefully all the goals of the Host Program. But even more important than that is the added bonus of our getting to know each other much better, which has led to many more shared activities, such as get-togethers in the homes of NSJ members and in the homes of our Karen friends, help in acquiring furniture, help in moving to new homes, excursions to see Niagara Falls, participation in a ceremonial raising of the Karen flag in Orillia, homework help and employment opportunities.
The CCLC workshops on the Host Program helped NSJ to offer much more effective hospitality to our Karen friends through information willingly shared by experienced volunteers in the Host Program and by important background information about the situation faced by Karens in Burma and Thailand over the past fifty years.” John and the NSJ Host Group
