ANC Newsletter - Fall 2017
A Busy Summer for the Association's SWIS Team
Every year the ANC’s Settlement Workers in the Schools (SWIS) Team delivers its ESL Summer Program for Newcomer Children and Summer Enrichment Program for Newcomer Youth. This year, the programs served approximately 80 refugee and immigrant participants while connecting an additional 120 with external programming in the community.
Talking Diversity Across the Province
During this past summer, the ANC’s Diversity Outreach Team was busy travelling across the province to engage a number of stakeholders and community members. In addition to diversity presentations and other outreach activities, the Diversity Outreach Team delivered, and participated in, a number of high-profile events related to immigration, multiculturalism, etc. These included:

  • Business Roundtables in Stephenville, Corner Brook, and St. John’s
  • Business Roundtable follow-up meeting in Corner Brook (facilitated by the Greater Corner Brook Board of Trade)
  • Diversity Training during the Town of Gander’s annual Festival of Flight
  • Annual Corner Brook Diversity Day (ANC shared an information booth with the Greater Corner Brook Board of Trade)
Avenues to Success Program
The ANC is offering a new program available to newcomer youth and young adults who do not have a high school diploma or equivalent, and who require targeted programming to support their education and career goals.
Empowering Women's Social
To celebrate Women’s History Month in October, the ANC’s Women’s Group hosted an Empowering Women’s Social at Rocket Bakery in St. John’s. Newcomer women heard from several successful women, including:

  • St. John’s Deputy Mayor Sheilagh O’Leary, as well as City Councillors Debbie Hanlon and Maggie Burton; and,
  • Representatives from the Multicultural Women's Organization of Newfoundland and Labrador (WMONL).
Entrepreneurial Expo
The ANC's Career and Employment Division, AXIS (Acquiring Experience; Integrating Skills) , hosted an Entrepreneurial Expo at the Avalon Mall on September 24 to highlight a number of locally-owned, newcomer businesses.

Businesses included: Avalon Tailor; Avalon Tech; Desi Meal Restaurant; Mr. Souvlaki; Newbornlander; Noella’s Best Cleaning Services; Rainbow Art School; RJ Pinoy Yum; Wichan Y Photography; and, Xtra Mile Cleaning Services.
International Youth Day
In honor of International Youth Day, the ANC profiled some of the young people who were employed through its ESL Summer Program for Newcomer Children.
Thanks, Read to Ride!
Many thanks to representatives from the Read to Ride Program for hosting a ceremony at the ESL Training Centre in July. One student from each Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) Level received a bicycle and helmet for their reading achievements!
The ANC is seeking interpreters for Swahili, Kiswahili, and Kirundi. For information or to sign-up, please contact
(709) 722-9680 or email  settlement@nfld.net  
Government-Assisted Refugee (GAR) Update
As of November 14, 2017, the ANC has helped welcome and resettle 169 GARs arriving in Newfoundland and Labrador, including 71 from Syria.
Volunteer with the ANC
The Association is seeking volunteers to support the following programs:
After-School Program

Volunteers provide assistance for at least one hour per week during the following times:
  • Mondays from 2:30-4:00
  • Tuesdays from 2:30-3:30
  • Thursdays from 2:30-4:00

This Program provides homework support to newcomer children in a group environment as well as the opportunity to participate in a variety of recreational and social activities. Volunteers assist by:  
  • Aiding children with homework, assignments, and projects;
  • Participating in group activities; and/or,
  • Helping with event logistics (setting up, etc.). 
Newcomer Match Program

The Newcomer Match Program pairs volunteers with newcomers to Canada to help them adjust to life in their new community. Volunteers meet with their match for two hours per week for six months to offer: 
  • An opportunity to practice English; 
  • Information on Canadian customs, culture, and society; 
  • Information on community resources; and/or,
  • Insight into life in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Each participant in the Newcomer Match Program has their own set of goals and, depending on these goals, volunteers may perform a number of activities, including: 
  • Practicing conversational English; 
  • Assisting with reading and writing; and/or,
  • Visiting organizations/groups that are of interest to the participant. 
ESL Conversation Circle Program

The ESL Conversation Circle Program provides ESL learners with the opportunity to engage with native English speakers on a variety of topics in a friendly, relaxed environment. Volunteers assist by:
  • Facilitating a conversation with 1-3 students;
  • Asking questions and sharing information; and, 
  • Assisting students with vocabulary and pronunciation.
To apply for, or to learn about, these rewarding and engaging opportunities, please contact Kelly at (709) 722-9680 or  ancvolunteer@nfld.net
Programs and Services for Newcomers
ESL Evening Classes – The ANC is offering Evening English as a Second Language (ESL) Classes at its ESL Training Centre on Smithville Crescent in St. John's - every Tuesday from 7-9 pm. The classes are available in 4 different levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, and Pronunciation. For more information, please contact Marlene at (709) 726-6848 or linc@nfld.net
LINC Home Study Program – This distance ESL program is offered to eligible newcomers who wish to improve their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in English. For more information, check out the brochure HERE or contact Marlene at (709) 726-6848 or linc@nfld.net
Outreach ESL Tutor Program – Are you a Permanent Resident, Canadian Citizen, or Provincial Nominee living outside the St. John’s area looking for ESL training? Contact us today at (709) 579-9172 or research@nfld.net to enroll in our Outreach ESL Tutor Program!
Computer Support Class – The ANC is offering a weekly Computer Support Class for newcomer young adults every Wednesday from 2:00-3:30 in the Computer Lab of the ESL Training Centre. Please contact Meghan at (709) 722-2828 or  youth@nfld.net for more information.
CELPIP Testing – The ANC offers monthly Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) Testing at its ESL Training Centre on Smithville Crescent. For more information, please contact Marlene at (709) 726-6848 or  linc@nfld.net