annual report 2008-2009 · 2017. 10. 4. · member- olaf berghaus member- norma oyler member –...
TRANSCRIPT
Annual Report
2008-2009
2
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements 3
HILC Core Values 3
Joint Chair and Executive Director’s message 4
20th Anniversary 5
LINC and Community Language Programs 7
Family Learning Program 8
Transition Language Program 8
Work Start Program 8
Inclusive Language Program 8
Child Learning Centre 9
WINS (Work in Nova Scotia) 10
EWP ( English in the Workplace) 11
EWP Distance Delivery 12
Evening Classes 12
LML (Labour Market Language Program) 13
LML Distance Delivery 15
Internationally Educated Teacher’s TESL Program 15
Resource Development 16
Volunteers 17
Professional Development 18
Regional & National Initiatives 18
A Look at the Numbers for 2008-09 19
Highlights, partnerships and special projects 20
HILC Staff 24
Client Profile 25
Auditor’s Report 26
3
Acknowledgements
HILC gratefully acknowledges its funding partners:
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Nova Scotia Office of Immigration
Health Canada
Nova Scotia Department of Labour and Workforce Development
HRSDC Workplace Skills Initiative
HRSDC Office of Literacy and Essential Skills
Family Learning Initiative Endowment Fund
Adult Learning Knowledge Centre, Canadian Council on Learning
HILC Core Values
Access
Inclusion
Client empowerment
User-defined services
Holistic approach
Respect for the individual
Cultural sensitivity
Collaboration
Accountability
HILC Board of Directors
2008-2009
Chair – Ross Mitchell
Treasurer – Adam Randell
Member – Russell Walker
Member- Olaf Berghaus
Member- Norma Oyler
Member – Jeanne Comeau
Member – Paul Schwartz
Ex Officio
Staff – Andrew
Leverman/Ellen Pilon
Executive Director – Gerry Mills
HILC’s core values are integrated into our daily interactions
and form the culture in which we operate. They are the
fundamental principles, that operate across the organization at
every level. We use them as our guidepost for our actions and
decisions and each member of staff plays an important role in
modeling the core values and in keeping them front and center in everything we do.
4
Joint Chair and Executive Director’s Message
2008-09 was certainly an exciting and pivotal year in the history of HILC. It was
a year of growth and change and a year of celebration. This year HILC
implemented a number of new programs. We also initiated new partnerships
with many different stakeholders – with regulatory bodies, educational
institutions, funders and partners - all with the purpose of helping newcomers
to successfully settle in our community.
This year we also enhanced our capacity to provide services, a 53% growth in
staff from 34 to 52 and relocated seventeen members of HILC staff into
another location with some MISA colleagues to set up the Work in Nova Scotia
(WINS) site. The result is that HILC is stronger than ever, focusing on the
expertise in serving newcomers, through new and established programs and
initiatives and engaging actively with our many stakeholders.
In terms of celebration, in 2008, the organization’s 20 year history of developing
and delivering programs to support the language needs of newcomers was
celebrated and it culminated in one sunny memorable morning on October
3rd, 2008 at Pier 21 when over 300 people, including Her Honour, The
Honourable Mayann E. Francis, ONS, DHuml, Lieutenant Governor of Nova
Scotia and The Honourable Len Goucher, Minister of Immigration came to
recognize HILC’s achievements and to share many memories – a time to
remember and a time to rejoice.
The writing of the annual report message is a great marker of time and
progress, and gives us occasion to look around us to recognize and
appreciate the efforts of the many individuals who make our work possible.
We would like to particularly thank the staff members of HILC who infuse their
passion and expertise into the organization and into the lives of our clients -
every day. We are also incredibly fortunate to have a committed group of
volunteers, who help out in a multitude of ways from direct service to the
governance of the organization - and in this regard we would like to
particularly thank our Board of Directors for their guidance and insight. This
year we lose a most valuable member of the HILC board - Norma Oyler, who
has volunteered with the organization in different capacities for 17 years. The
contribution Norma has made over her 17 years of dedicated volunteer
service is symbolic of a founding strength of HILC. This strength has passed from
volunteers such as Norma to the rapidly growing staff of HILC and its partner
MISA.
Finally thank you to the many newcomers who continue to place their trust in
all of us at HILC to help them to settle. Thank you for having chosen Nova
Scotia as your new home; by doing so you have enriched our lives.
HILC is a community
based non profit organization
committed to supporting the
language learning
goals of newcomers. In a creative and
respectful
environment, we strive to provide
quality and effective learning opportunities to
promote the active participation of
newcomers in our community
5
20th Anniversary
In 2008-09 HILC celebrated 20 years of service to the immigrant community. HILC
began as English Unlimited in September, 1988 with a vision for a place where
immigrants and refugees and their children could learn English together in a safe
and professional environment. It would be a place where they could learn the
skills that they needed to reach their goals and contribute as members of the
community. In the fall of 1988, funding was confirmed by Canada Employment
and Immigration Commission and the first Settlement Language Training
Program in Nova Scotia opened its doors to immigrants and their pre-school
children in the spring of 1989.
As the newcomer needs changed over the last 20 years, so did the organization
grow, restructure and develop to meet those needs. This year we looked back
with pride at HILC’s accomplishments and the recognition that the organization
has attained, both within Nova Scotia and across the country, as a leader in
developing and delivering services to newcomers. HILC now delivers language
training to over 900 clients a year. Since 1988, over 9,000 newcomers to Nova
Scotia have benefited from HILC’s language and skill development programs,
made possible through the commitment of HILC’s staff, board members,
volunteers, partners and funders, in particular Citizenship and Immigration
Canada, who 20 years ago, trusted that HILC’s vision could be realized.
On October 3rd, 2008 at Pier 21 in Halifax over 300 people celebrated HILC’s 20th
anniversary. At the event, which was attended by clients, staff, partners, funders,
government representatives, family members and friends, a slideshow was
presented with pictures from the last 20 years and 3 people who have been with
HILC for many years were acknowledged.
- Thuy Truong who has been with the organization for 17 years, who has
welcomed over 400 newcomer children into HILC’s Child Care Centre, and who
now sees 18 year olds in the street who still remember her.
- Norma Oyler, who volunteered with the organization in different capacities for
17 years and resigned in 2009.
- Kathy Burnett who started the organization and who has put her heart, her soul,
her weekends, and her many, many talents into creating and building HILC.
The 20th anniversary event was a huge success and provided a moment in time
to reflect on HILC’s past and to look to the future.
6
N
S
EW
In 2008-09 clients came from these countries:In 2008-09 clients came from these countries:In 2008-09 clients came from these countries:In 2008-09 clients came from these countries:
Afghanistan
EcuadorCubaCosta RicaCongoColombia
ChinaCameroonBurundiBosniaBelarus
BangladeshAzerbaijanArmenia
PakistanPalestine
LebanonKyrgyzstan
KuwaitKosovoKoreaJordanJapanIraq
IranIndiaHungaryHong KongGuatemala
GambiaFranceEthiopiaEritreaEgypt
Nepal NigeriaMexico
LithuaniaLibyaLiberia
Serbia
Saudi Arabia
Senegal
RwandaRussiaPolandPhilippines
Peru
Sierra Leone SomaliaSingapore
Uzbekistan
Syria TaiwanSudanSri Lanka
UkraineUganda
TurkmenistanTurkeyTunisiaTogoTanzania
Tajikistan
Venezuela
7
35%
LINC and Community Language Programs
The Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) Program at HILC provides
newcomers with the opportunity to learn English in a safe and respectful environment.
As clients move through the levels, they build confidence and language skills that can
be applied at home, work and in the community. Newcomers also assimilate new
learning strategies and life skills that promote independent learning and more successful
integration. As well, Canadian customs and culture are woven through the curriculum,
to help clients understand and navigate their new home.
This year the LINC Program has:
� Delivered English language training on site and off-site to 320 clients
� Provided educational activities to 51 children in the Child Learning Centre
� Received the benefit of 57 volunteers and 4 medical students
� Developed and implemented a Work Start Program
� Developed and implemented a Transition Language Program
� Implemented an Advanced Literacy Program
� Incorporated two flexible classes
In February, LINC implemented an Advanced Literacy Program to help clients transition
from the literacy programs to LINC 1 and to build on the foundational skills acquired in
the literacy programs and Family Learning Program. There are currently four literacy
classes as part of the LINC Program.
The LINC Program at HILC continued to offer a summer program this year. The program
focused on a communicative approach with as many opportunities as possible given to
clients to interact in authentic situations. Along with in-class instruction, instructors
planned many field trips in the community. The computer lab helped learners to
research and prepare for these experiential outings.
In March, LINC clients attended the Multicultural Health and Wellness Fair. Over 100
people from different service provider organizations in HRM set up booths and delivered
workshops and demonstrations. With the help of volunteers and interpreters, clients were
able to obtain vital health care information and meet health care professionals in
person.
The celebration of holidays continues to be a staple of the LINC program. Clients look
forward to the opportunity to gather together and enjoy the conversations, activities
and food. Guest speakers and field trips are also a central part of the LINC program.
One of the more popular field trips is the City Bus Tour for newcomers who have been in
HRM for less than 6 months. This tour meanders through the city, showing clients key
location and stops frequently, allowing a chance to tour places and meet people.
All LINC classes, including the literacy programs were able to increase the frequency of
visits to the computer lab this year. Learners love the time in the lab to reinforce their
language learning, while learning practical computer skills. Clients can also attend
computer classes in Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Intro to Computers and Keyboarding/E-
mail/Internet in addition to computer time in the LINC Program.
8
Family Learning Program
Families continue to benefit from the Family Learning Program where interaction
between parents and children are a regular part of the class. Parents take home the
stories they have written, the songs and rhymes they have practiced and the games
they have learned. In this program, newcomer parents are empowered to help teach
their children literacy and language skills. The Fairview Family Resource Centre, where
the classes are held, has also identified benefits of having the Family Learning
Program in its location. Since the program began, there has been an increase in the
number of newcomers in the area to visit and partake in the Family Resource Centre
programs and we sincerely thank the Fairview Family Resource Centre for partnering
with HILC in this very special program.
Transition Language Program
This year HILC implemented the Transition Language Program to help clients, who may
be suffering from the effects of trauma, to learn in smaller group settings with shorter
hours and more frequent breaks. The program is led by an instructor with experience
and knowledge of the specific needs this group may have. The goal of the program is
for clients to eventually transition back into the regular LINC program.
In September, two Transition Language classes began; one morning class for literacy
and level 1 clients and an afternoon class for levels 2 and 3. The instructor conducts
individual interviews before the clients enter the program, to ensure that clients fully
understand the goal of the program. The class has been running for eight months and
the outcomes and the client feedback have been excellent.
Work Start Program
The Work Start Program is a focused language training program for clients between
levels 2 and 4 who are currently looking for work or who are in part-time survival jobs
looking for better opportunities. The course, which is delivered in partnership with the
Employment Services Unit of MISA, covers 8 language training modules: Job
Preparation, Resume Building, Interview Practice, Workplace Communication,
Workplace Safety, Employee Rights and Life Long Learning. Clients report that they
have more confidence to apply for work, are more prepared for interview questions
and have a better understanding of how a work place operates in Canada.
Inclusive Language Program
The Inclusive Language Program, which opened its doors in March 2009, is an
important new program that responds to the language learning needs of immigrants,
including citizens who are seeking work, but whose language still needs substantial
development.
9
Child Learning Centre
The three Early Childhood Educators continued to provide excellent care and attention
while cultivating language and developmental skills through stories, games and play to the
children of parents and care-givers attending LINC classes this year. They were kept very
active with full classes of children ranging in ages from 6 months to 5 years.
LINC also uses the Bayers-Westwood Day-Care. This day-care was chosen for its strategic
location near St. Andrews and in the heart of where many clients reside. Clients attending
the two classes in the morning at St. Andrews Community Centre can utilize this service.
Two of the staff in the Child Learning Centre participated in the National Child Minding
Conference in Toronto in November. They returned with many materials and information
that were later used in presentations at in-services.
The centre acquired a number of books, games and developmental materials this year. It is
always exciting for staff and children to get the new supplies.
Parent-teacher interviews are held twice a year. Through interpreters, staff gives a thorough
account of the children’s progress and discusses any issues or concerns. Apart from these
interviews, staff is continually communicating and updating parents on the development of
their children.
10
HILC’s partner in WINS
Work in Nova Scotia (WINS)
Newcomers consistently identify language and employment as their two major challenges as
they settle in Nova Scotia. Work in Nova Scotia (WINS) is MISA and HILC’s response to those
challenges. WINS is a client-centred and menu-driven service delivery model which provides
a bridging program for the workforce integration of newcomers. It is a unique bridging
program that is customized, collaborative and results driven. HILC provides programs and
services under the WINS umbrella through two programs – the Labor Market Language
Program and the English in the Workplace Program.
We continue to add services to the WINS program in order to increase labor market access
for newcomers in Nova Scotia and this year HILC’s Pronunciation for Work, Intercultural
Communication, Writing Clinics, TOEFL Preparation, TESL Training Program for Internationally
Educated Teachers, Language for Job Search, Online Customer Service Language Program,
Bridge to Nursing and Distance English in the Workplace contributed to the growth of the
WINS Services provided by HILC.
11
English in the Workplace
In 2008-09 English in the Workplace delivered 41 training programs to 87 learners. Fifteen
established employers used our services again this year. Instructors delivered training to
large employers such as Convergys, Keane Canada, and Saint Mary’s University and to
smaller and medium sized employers such as Yohanna Variety Store and ABM
Integrated Solutions, as well as immigrant businesses such as Dragon Buffet King.
In addition to our established employers, training was delivered to 14 new employers this
year. These new employers included larger workplaces such as Shannex Arbourstone
Enhanced Care, Northwood Homecare Ltd. and TD Canada Trust, and small and
medium sized workplaces as CGI, St. Joseph’s College of Early Childhood Education,
and Alexandra Children’s Centre. English in the Workplace also provided language
support to 5 immigrant businesses including Hua Li Acupuncture and H & N Training.
In July EWP had a joint recognition and graduation event for students, employers and
partners from the English in the Workplace and Labour Market Language Programs. The
first ever Champion of the English in the Workplace Award was given to the Prince
George Hotel for their long-term partnership with the EWP program. In March, the first
English in the Workplace Employer Recognition Event was held with nine employers
attending and with Keane Canada receiving the Champion of the English in the
Workplace award.
This year, as part of the Work in Nova Scotia Team, English in the Workplace has been
working closely with MISA’s Employer Engager and Workplace Culture Coordinator to
promote English in the Workplace and provide services to employers. As part of this
growth in WINS, an Employer Advisory Committee has been initiated, where employers
can provide advice on programming.
Because of continuing increase in demand, we have hired an additional EWP instructor, making a total of 3 full time instructors and a manager.
“I am very happy because my teacher has given me a lots of help with my
business and my English.”
EWP Graduate and business owner
12
EWP Distance Delivery
English in the Workplace has continued offering customized occupational English classes
for employed newcomers in their workplace throughout Nova Scotia. The EWP instructor
teaches the employee live via the computer, using a webcam, a microphone and the
internet. Using a blended learning approach with Moodle and Adobe Connect Pro, the
instructor creates a live face to face training session, with speaking and listening activities,
as well as interactive exercises and written assignments.
This year, funding was received to develop online modules to be used in the distance
training. A new position of distance instructor/developer was established and the staff
person is currently developing and piloting the training modules.
Many newcomers to Canada leave formal language training to find work or care for their
family, but still need to improve their English skills to be able to integrate culturally, socially
and economically into the community. HILC offers a level 4 class, a level 5 class and a
combined level 6/7 class to support these immigrants. Classes are offered two evenings a
week for 2 hours each class. The classes operate on a continuous intake basis that is
flexible and responds to the needs of the learners.
The demand for evening classes has continued. This year the Evening Class Program
provided language training to 55 clients.
Evening Classes
13
Labour Market Language Programs
HILC’s Labor Market Language Programs continue to evolve and diversify as we explore
and respond to the labor market language needs of newcomers in Nova Scotia. The
strength of the Labour Market Language Programs is the continued and growing
collaboration with community partners and stakeholders. HILC continues to provide
leadership in the community to support a smooth transition for newcomers into
appropriate employment. This year 294 individual clients have benefited from HILC’s
Labour Market Language Programs, with many participating in more than one
program.
Labour Market Language Programs and Clients April 1, 2008 –
March 31, 2009
Intercultural Communication 44
English for Engineers 20
English for Financial Purposes 18
Writing for the Workplace Pilot 46
TOEFL Preparation 29
Language Learning Strategies 14
ESL Videoconference 18
Language for Job Search 20
English for Healthcare Professionals 19
Bridge to Nursing (RNPDC) 9
Customer Service Online Pilot 6
Writing Clinics 11
English for Work and Business 38
Computer Training 68
Professional Series 115
Pronunciation for Work 50
Total 525
This year, HILC’s Labour Market Language Programs identified and implemented
intercultural communication as a foundational skill to promote more successful
communication in the workplace. Clients have the opportunity to explore and identify
cultural values and beliefs, and look at how those beliefs translate into communication.
14
Pronunciation and fluency classes have also been successful new components to the
Labour Market Language Programs. Clients explore basic and advanced speech
patterns of English language, such as stress, intonation, rhythm and individual sounds.
The pronunciation and fluency opportunities offer opportunities to build self-confidence
when speaking and listening to English.
Writing Clinics in response to clients’ workplace writing needs have also been
introduced and in addition to these classes, HILC also provides individual appointments
to discuss client language challenges and to provide answers, resources and strategies.
This year HILC offered two TOEFL preparation classes to address the increasing need of
newcomer professionals to provide TOEFL scores to show their level of English
proficiency. This is often in response to a professional regulatory body or for entrance to
further education opportunities.
Language for Job Search was a new element to the Labour Market Language
programs this year. Language for Job Search provides the language support needed to
be more successful in the job search process. This is becoming an integrated
component of MISA’s New Beginnings classroom workshops. Working collaboratively,
workshop facilitators and a language instructor provide the tools and practice
necessary to conduct a successful job search.
The IEHP community component continues to be a highlight in the Labour Market
Language Programs. As an integral part of the English for Healthcare Professionals class,
the community component provides clients with opportunities to explore and gain
insight into the range of health related programs, supports and resources in the
community. These visits have been a truly valuable learning experience as clients
interact with Nova Scotian healthcare professionals and then reflect on their visits in
class. As these community visits continue, so too does the demystification of the Canadian healthcare system for the newcomer healthcare professionals.
The ongoing delivery and refining of Writing for the Workplace Online, continues to
respond to the need of newcomers living beyond the Halifax Regional Municipality as
well as the needs of newcomers who aren’t able to access regularly scheduled
programs. The demand for online programs is increasing and accounts for the majority
of requests for service. The popularity of this program continues to grow with clients as well as growing interest from other service providers.
“The sessions we have had in the past six months have been very useful to me
not only professionally but also in my everyday life adjusting and mixing in my
new country. You have been very supportive and helpful!”
–LMLP client
15
LMLP Distance Delivery
As HILC continues to deliver and develop opportunities for distance delivery of
programs, requests for service beyond the Halifax Regional Municipality continue to
increase. The Videoconferencing Class continues to be the champion for successful
distance delivery. Learners in Truro, Kentville, Bridgewater and Halifax gather every
Tuesday and Thursday evenings to focus on workplace language skills, incorporating a
variety of skills and activities that are connected to real life. As well as learning the
language newcomers need to function in a Canadian workplace, participants also
learn about Canadian workplace culture and expectations. The program has also
helped create a sense of community amongst students and alleviate isolation. The
addition of a more formalized online component has provided an additional support to
access relevant links to listening, reading and writing resources. The online component
also provides a place for valuable discussion, that facilitates the development of a
sense of community outside of the classroom. HILC’s strong partnership with the Nova
Scotia Community College has contributed to the tremendous success of this
groundbreaking program. Several researchers from across Canada have visited HILC’s
Videoconferencing class this year to assess the viability of recreating the delivery mode
in other smaller centers in Canada. Users for HILC’s online courses have more than
doubled in the past year and there are currently 228 online users.
HILC staff continues to make connections with leaders in smaller communities around
Nova Scotia, including the Immigration Navigators throughout the province.
This year a new online course was developed, piloted. Customer Service at Work is a six
week online class that looks at the language used in customer service. The course
covers an introduction to customer service, elements of good customer service,
challenges in customer service and focuses on good communication skills. Other online
activities continue to be popular and have been used by other settlement agencies in
Atlantic Canada.
This year, in collaboration with the International Language Institute, HILC piloted the
Internationally Educated Teachers TESL Training Program. This program provided training
and experience to 6 internationally educated teachers, who did not have the
certification necessary to integrate into the public school system to become adult ESL
instructors. The training provided was the Certificate in English Language Teaching to
Adults (CELTA) followed by eight weeks of supervised work placement at adult ESL
schools in the community. Although at the date of writing this report, the placement
was not over, 5 of the 6 participants have already been offered ESL teaching positions.
Internationally Educated Teachers’ TESL Program
16
Resource Development
HILC continues to be recognized nationally and internationally for the publications and
resources produced by the creative and talented staff. Publication requests are
received on a continuous basis from all corners of the world. The ESL Computer Books,
developed in 2003 have been downloaded over 275,349 times and “Hands On”, a
Resource for ESL Literacy has been downloaded 47,419 times in the last couple of years.
It has been another productive year for HILC in the area of resource development
especially for use in the online context.
Resources developed this year:
• Practice English on your Own: A Self Study Guide for English Language Learners in
Nova Scotia. An updated version was developed and printed in February 2009.
• Customer Service at Work: a six week online class that looks at the language used in
customer service. The course covers an introduction to customer service, elements
of good customer service, challenges in customer service and focuses on
good communication skills.
• Online English in the Workplace training modules: A series of modules developed for
online instruction on general topics that can be applied across a variety of different
workplaces and still be customized to the needs of the individual learners.
• The Cultural Compass: A Series of Workplace Scenarios – A series of Canadian
workplace scenarios designed to help identify and discuss cultural challenges in a
variety of Canadian workplaces.
• Going the Distance: A Framework for Providing Distance Services in Nova Scotia:
includes guiding principle, processes and structure that contribute to the effective
distance delivery of newcomer services in Nova Scotia
• Online Writing Class: an online workshop focused on developing writing skills for
professionals level 6 to 8.
• 20 Tips for Learning English: to celebrate HILC’s 20th anniversary a bookmark with 20
Tips for Learning English was developed and distributed widely.
17
.
Volunteers
HILC would like to thank the 70+ volunteers who have committed not only 26,312 hours
but their considerable expertise to the organization and its clients over the past year.
This contribution is equivalent to around $657,800. Without these individuals, the
programs would not run as smoothly or be as effective. A sincere thank you to all the
hard-working volunteers in 2008-2009 from staff and clients!
“The meaning of volunteering for me is giving a warm heart and sharing time and
feelings with people who need help from others. Through volunteering, I feel like I have
become a better person who understands people more. I have confidence that I can
help people. Every student in TLP has a different background and circumstance. I think
this program is exactly what they need”.
Volunteer in Transition Language Program
Along with appreciating volunteers as part of the annual Christmas party, two joint
MISA-HILC Volunteer Appreciation Events were organized: one was held in May, 2008
and another in March, 2009. In each event, volunteers were honored with recognition,
speeches and a keepsake. At these events many staff and volunteers have the
opportunity to get to know each other better.
“I would have to say the best thing about helping people to learn English is the moment
when you see the look of understanding on their faces. You can be working on a
concept with someone for a while, and it can be challenging, but when you see
someone’s face light up in that “Eureka!” moment, it all comes full circle”
Volunteer in the Literacy Program
This year 3 medical students chose HILC as part of their mandatory community
volunteer placement. Two volunteers were placed with instructors in the LINC Program
and one with an instructor in the Labor Market Language Program. The volunteers
delivered presentations on relevant topics during the health theme to many LINC
classes. The volunteers expressed a real appreciation for the experience and reported
that it was a very positive learning opportunity for them.
In addition, to providing support to ESL teachers in the classroom, volunteers have
ensured effective governance, shared their professional knowledge and advice with
clients and contributed to the success of the programs. We thank each and every one
of them.
18
Professional Development
Professional development is a dynamic entity that is seen as a vital instrument in
pedagogical, emotional and personal development. Some of the professional
development for HILC staff this year involved training around Post Traumatic Stress
Disorder, using Canadian Language Benchmarks in assessing language skills and the new
resource, Through the Lens.
As a second part to the Anti-Racism Initiative project, ten workshops were delivered to
staff and volunteers of immigrant serving agencies in the use of Through the Lens. It is
important to HILC to ensure that instructors, staff and volunteers utilize this resource in a
responsible way with clients. Steve Law was hired to develop the workshops and present
them in HRM. Over 150 instructors, staff and volunteers were trained in using Through the
Lens in 2008-2009. The feedback from the training workshops and resource book has been
incredibly positive and strongly indicates that staff sees the value in having more
opportunities to be involved in anti-racism training in the future.
Many of our staff participated also in a First Aid Training Course provided by Saint John
Ambulance. It is HILC’s intention to repeat this course for new groups of staff and have
refresher courses in the future.
HILC staff participated in various conferences and workshops throughout this year
including the National Canada TESL Conference in May, the ARAISA Conference in
October and the Learning Needs of Adult Immigrants in Atlantic Canada-AdLKC
Symposium in June 08, amongst others.
Regional and National Initiatives
HILC staff members continue to devote time to participate in national initiatives within the
settlement and ESL sector. Currently HILC staff members sit on the following
boards/committees:
� Atlantic Region Association of Immigrant Serving Agencies (ARAISA)
� Multicultural Education Council of Nova Scotia (MECNS)
� Teachers of English as a Second Language Nova Scotia (TESL Nova Scotia)
� Teachers of English as a Second Language Canada (TESL Canada)
� Metro Council on Continuing Education
� Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks
� LINC Working Group
Multi-stakeholder working groups for internationally educated/trained:
� Teachers
� Engineers
� Pharmacists
� Physicians
� Medical Lab Technologists
� Trades Professionals
� Lawyers
� Truck Drivers
19
A Look at the Numbers for 2008-09
16 % clients were from China, 14 % from Iran, 4% from Taiwan
55 % of HILC’s clients were women
80 countries of origin of HILC clients
271 years of ESL teaching experience in HILC’s instructors
932 clients received language training, 224 registered online
18,039 downloads of HILC’s Practice English on Your Own
90,589 downloads of HILC’s ESL Computers Books
233,599 hours of language training
2,633,20 hits on the website
20
Highlights, Partnerships and Special Projects
Partnership with MISA
HILC’s co-location with MISA continues to be of enormous benefit to both organizations,
allowing us to provide a unified voice in the community, a higher profile for immigration
and settlement issues and most importantly, to create opportunities for enhanced
collaboration and programming that support the successful integration of newcomers
into Nova Scotia. The six years of this enormously successful partnership and the
potential for future growth and sustainability have led both MISA and HILC boards to
pass motions on intent to merge in the fall of 2009. This is an extremely exciting move for
all at HILC and will provide the opportunity for the creation and delivery of integrated
and continuum of services under a unified vision that is consistent with operational
processes and aligned to provincial and federal immigration priorities.
Canadian Council on Learning
This year, HILC has been involved with the Adult Learning Knowledge Centre (AdLKC),
created by the Canadian Council on Learning. In 2007, HILC conducted research for
the AdLKC on the learning needs of adult immigrants in Atlantic Canada Since then,
HILC has been active on the Community Connections working group, with the role of
speaking to the needs of immigrant adult learners. In June 2008, the findings of HILC’s
research was reported at AdLKC’s national symposium in St. John’s Newfoundland; In
addition, a group of stakeholders including HILC, MISA, the Nova Scotia Office of
Immigration and the Metro Council on Continuing Education organized a forum aimed
at informing service providers to facilitate a welcoming community for immigrants. This
forum was attended by 140 people from community organizations including
educational institutions, government services, the library system, and churches.
Fee for Service
HILC continues to be challenged with the issue of fee for services as more educational
institutions, ESL providers and settlement organizations request use of its resources. This is
clearly a potential revenue generating opportunity and HILC hopes to be able to
capitalize on this in the coming year.
Multi-Stakeholder groups
HILC continued to be a partner with MISA this year in promoting multi-stakeholder round
tables that bring stakeholders to work together on practical solutions to employment
integration for internationally educated professionals. It includes the opportunity to look
seriously at barriers, licensure issues, assessment, evaluation and bridging programs. This
collaborative approach is particularly relevant to the Nova Scotian context where
relationships and network building are critical and has made and is making real positive changes for newcomers in the regulated professions in Nova Scotia.
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WINS Program Recognition Events
The interest on the part of employers, regulatory bodies, professional associations and
other stakeholders continued to increase this year and many potential partnerships
were born at the WINS Program Recognition events where the accomplishments of
newcomers were celebrated and where the contributions of workplaces were
acknowledged. There were three events held in 2008-09, which were covered by a
wide range of media and were attended by the NS Minister of Immigration, the Mayor
of Halifax and representatives from the Nova Scotia Department Labour and
Workforce Development, the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration and Citizenship and
Immigration Canada.
Database
Following on from one space, one entrance and one website, this year MISA and HILC
proceeded ever more to a full merger by developing a joint database. CATS (Client
Activity Tracking System) will maintain accurate and accessible information and track
client service delivery and outcomes. This is a project that is long overdue and staff
are very much looking forward to a system that is streamlined, provides them with the
information they need to better deliver services and the information that funders and
partners request.
Welcoming Communities Initiative
In February, 2009 Through the Lens, a resource to help facilitators to discuss issues of
racism and discrimination with newcomers to Canada, which was developed by
Blake Fisher, was recognized as an exemplary tool by the Federal Family of Agencies
and was showcased at a conference in Ottawa.
New Space
In September, 2008, due to severe overcrowding in the Chebucto Place site, thirty
MISA-HILC staff members, including fifteen HILC members moved into another site on
Joseph Howe Drive. The people who moved were part of the Work in Nova Scotia
(WINS) team that provides labour market integration services to newcomers.
Integrated Pre-Arrival Services Overseas (IPSO)
In early 2008 HILC partnered with the Canadian Immigration Integration Project,
delivered by the Association of Canadian Community Colleges to deliver online
language training to newcomers before arrival in Canada. This year HILC worked with
MISA and three other Ontario based organizations to present to tunders and to
develop a concept paper for the provision of an integrated suite of pre-arrival
services to newcomers in China, the Phillipines and India. The presentation and the
concept paper were warmly received by the funder and a full proposal has now
been developed and submitted. Work on this is expected to begin in the summer of
2009 and will establish HILC as the only deliverer of pre-landing language services in
Canada.
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Some personal highlights and successes from HILC’s instructors:
My student….
• got a teaching job in the public school system
• wrote his first letters on the line
• played the class bingo at home and her 3 year old daughter who comes with her
to HILC knew her alphabet better than her 5 year old son who is at school.
• got his driver’s license – finally
• went alone to get her library card after learning how to do it in class
• ordered coffee, received the coffee, paid for it and received the right change
and then excitedly told the story about her Tim Hortons visit to her class mates
• passed his Engineers Nova Scotia exam.
• was promoted to restaurant chef of Gio at the Prince George Hotel.
• now knows what his customers mean when they say “Hey buddy! How’s it goin’?”
• understood what his co-worker said when he said that he “put his foot in his mouth”.
• opened two businesses within one year of coming to Canada.
• gave a successful 20 minute presentation to his peers.
• confidently gave her opinion for the first time during a staff meeting.
• made and presented a successful PowerPoint presentation for the first time in his life.
• researched and wrote a report on his own and explained how he enjoyed the whole
writing process.
• is using emails a lot more and talks about her emailing experience with pride because
now people back home appreciate her good use of English.
• is not scared to answer phone calls any more and knows what to say.
• spoke more clearly and confidently at his job interviews.
• succeeded in getting the TOEFL score he needed for admission to a local university to
upgrade his dentistry skills for licensure.
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76 staff worked for HILC between 2008-2009 including:76 staff worked for HILC between 2008-2009 including:76 staff worked for HILC between 2008-2009 including:76 staff worked for HILC between 2008-2009 including:
Aleah Gustafson
Carol DerbyCarol MacAskill
Elizabeth GerrardElena Doljenkova
Carly Sorensen
Camilla VenezuelaBlake Fisher
Arleigh HoodAndrew Leverman
Beth Vye
Andrea Purchase
Amanda Marshall Alicia Daley
Ileana de la TejaIan Shepherd
Ellen PilonDonna McLean
Denise DelongCaroline Lodge
Hien Truong Huiling ZhuangGraziella Grbac Li Jin
Kelly Jordin
Malena Contreras
Kathy Burnett
Kate ElmsJulianna SherriffJayne Geldart
Janet Kane
Maria de la Paz Sen
Naheed AhmedMoonhei Gye
Roslyn Reddy
Sanja Pecelj
Rebecca Martin-Fraser
Parisa RadThuy Truong
Steven Crepeault
Shelly Wu
Melissa Taylor
Olga Sarycheva
Muhammad Nawaz
Shazia Nawaz
Sarah Sampara
Joseph Attya
Tomomi Harada
Nabiha Atallah
Hager Saleh
Tim Latter
Jelena Milosevic
Gerry Mills
Colleen MacKinnon
Nurudil Temel
Jenan Habbeb
Vanessa Sykes Sumaria Manzoor
Hon Ho LoTara Day
Anne Hanley
Zeina Issa
Jeremy Hunter
Saima Naseem
Darlene MacLeod
Alexander Crocker
Anne Grant
Anita Rai
Chris Churchill
Yalemeshet Weldegziabeher
Katherine GuittonShawn Deleu
Alexis PascualQing Chang
Colleen MacKinnon
Alexandra Niedzwiecka
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HILC Staff
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Client Profile
In 2008 Nova Scotia welcomed 2,651 newcomers to our communities. Some trends that HILC
staff has noticed in the past year include:
� Increased number of secondary migrants from other parts of Canada
� Significant increase in Provincial Nominee Program participants in all HILC programs
� Newcomers with a higher language level
� Newcomers with more profession and work related language needs
� Increased number of refugees from Africa and Middle East
� More single clients
� More clients who have few, if any, literacy skills in their first language
� More single parents with children under the age of 5
� More request for intensive and focused language training programs
� Increased interest in employers to support language learning of employees
� Increased sense of urgency and expectations with regard to language training
� Increased request for online services.
� Increased number of clients with health issues
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Auditor’s Report
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