| ESL centre sought for Vauxhall |
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| Local Content - Local News |
| Written by Trevor Busch |
| Thursday, 04 March 2010 16:09 |
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Efforts to create a new English as a Second Language (ESL) learning centre in Vauxhall could lead to the establishment of a facility with permanent hours and staff by as early as September. Marilyn Visser, literacy co-ordinator with Taber and District Community Adult Learning (TDCAL), explained to town council at the Monday meeting the demand for ESL services is high in Vauxhall, due to the influx of low-German speaking Mennonites. “We’ve been getting an influx of newcomers to our areas,” said Visser. “It’s estimated that between 1,000 and 1,200 people per year are looking to settle in the Vauxhall area. The demand is just way too high for what we can handle.” The proposed centre would be open two to three days per week, on a combination of mornings, afternoons and evenings to better fit people’s often busy schedules. Visser is seeking a $1,500 to $3,000 contribution from the Town of Vauxhall to help get the project off the ground. The centre would also feature a babysitting service for mothers wishing to improve their English skills. Having a low level of literacy in a community can lead to problems for everyone, according to Visser. “People with low levels of literacy are more likely to be chronically unemployed, the working poor, in danger of losing their jobs or on social assistance. Low levels of literacy affect people’s health and quality of life, and affect the economic growth of our province.” It can also exacerbate existing problems, including substance abuse, added Visser. “In the Vauxhall area, the instances of substance abuse is quite high amongst the low-German speaking Mennonite population.” TDCAD is hoping to be able to access government Community Initiative Funding for a three-year project but needs additional support to make the proposed ESL centre a reality. A funding request has also been submitted to the M.D. of Taber, which Visser indicated is currently pending approval. The majority of the tutors would be Vauxhall-based, and Visser explained the current 13 volunteer tutors in the area would be given an opportunity to work at the centre. Visser estimated a per-year budget of between $16,000 to $17,000 but admitted this did not factor in the possible costs of rent for a building and start-up costs, such as computers. The deadline for submitting a provincial grant application for Community Initiative funding is April 1. The centre would be structured much like a drop-in centre, but lesson-based plans will also be available. Visser pointed out that after starting up, response might be limited but would pick up once word of the facility was spread amongst the low-German speaking population. “Initially, I would expect it to be slow, but I don’t think it would be unreasonable to expect around 100 people.” Literacy benefits everyone, concluded Visser. “Raising the literacy level in your community is going to help people in your community and make it a better place to live.” Council voted unanimously to refer the funding request as a budget item for the fiscal year. |