Stories

Fahira speaks

When I arrived in Canada more than a decade ago, after escaping with my husband and a three year old from a war torn country, I spoke almost no English. As soon as we settled we started looking for an ESL programme.

Our settlement worker helped us find a place that was relatively close to our home and had child minding facilities - the New Life Centre. Even today, I still remember our first day at the New Life Centre. I left my daughter crying with the child minders next door so that I could join an ESL class.  It was hard for her to be with strange people who spoke a language she did not understand.  It took some time, but little by little she adjusted.

The New Life Center staff gave us that first boost we needed to succeed. It was a right fit for us. The programme was fast paced and I remember we studied a lot. We probably studied at home the same amount of time as we did at school. And it paid off. After a few months we moved on to different ventures that we found out about through information sessions that were offered by the New Life Centre.

Today, both my husband and I hold solid full time jobs. We are happy and adjusted to this country. So, when a friend of mine asked me to write this article, I had to say yes. The New Life Centre is part of who I have become. It is part of my history. And I don’t know what to say but - Thank you New Life Centre and keep up the good work! As for students – you are in the right place with the right people and the future is ‘yours to discover’. Cheers.

Fahira Golich