I tutored a young woman in her early 20’s from Vietnam. She is visually impaired and was virtually confined to her apartment because of her limited vision. I worked to help her learn to interpret signs and streetlights so that she would feel comfortable and safe crossing busy streets and taking the bus. She “graduated” from the ELTOC program after a year to attend a daily English class near her apartment (She had to cross Rideau St.). She subsequently enrolled in a more advanced class that required a bus ride. Being an ELTOC student definitely helped her increase her confidence, mobility and her integration into the community.

Initially, we had trouble communicating with each other. But by working on his listening, reading and pronunciation skills together – and with a lot of hard work on his part between lessons, my student was soon able to talk to his daughter’s teacher, approach the superintendent of his apartment building and apply for other jobs.

I was matched with a student who was afraid at first to leave her house on her own –reading street signs, speaking to strangers was very intimidating for her. However, over the year we worked together, she gained the confidence to interact with English speakers: whether shopping, taking the bus, dealing with medical people…. And isn’t this what is needed in our community – to help newcomers learn Canadian values, participate more fully in their new country and feel more at home here?

I like this program for housewives because we can stay home and care for our baby and study English. I can practice English with my tutor since I can’t go to school right now.

Now I'm starting to think about applying for jobs, something that I couldn’t do before because I feel like now, I can handle myself during an interview.

I improved my English skills and now I can do my groceries, make my appointments and speak with people. I’m more confident. My tutor helped me in many aspects. First I improved my English skills so I can go outside without fear. My tutor gave me very good advice which made life easier for me. My plans are to go back to school to get a nursing diploma. I’m grateful to my tutor and would like to thank the ELTOC team.

A few times during the drop-in today it was mentioned how important the contact with a tutor was for the student, a lifeline for some during this pandemic. I want to acknowledge that the Education Counsellors and the ELTOC organization have been a lifeline for me and most probably many other tutors like me.

You offer many workshops that are great and so the tutors have many resources available to them. It's wonderful.

I felt well-supported from start to finish. My Education Counsellor was very helpful and organized and easily accessible any time I had questions. I think the online format made the learning a little more challenging, but that was unavoidable. I am very happy with my experience and may return to it in the future!

I was afraid to go out of my apartment. Now I go out to school and shopping. She (her ELTOC tutor) taught me how to take the bus. She encouraged me to go to LINC class or adult school. She helped me to find the appropriate school. In September I will go to adult school. Then I will go to university or college. I want a good job. I was very happy with the experience I had with my ELTOC tutor.

I am able to be less fearful when I go out and able to talk a little bit and understand what people tell me when I am approached by someone which helped with my confidence and my stay in Canada. My plan for the future is to continue learning English and hopefully become a fluent speaker and I hope to be able to help my children with their school work and go out comfortably and depend on myself. I am very grateful and I think the program was a great choice for me.

I couldn’t understand English, but after tutoring it was easier to go to doctor appointments and grocery shopping alone. I want to improve my English and then I want to find a job.