Learning Comes Full Circle: Duaa’s Story

When Duaa first joined a FESA program, she was new to Canada and looking for connection.

She attended with her young daughter, hoping to meet other mothers and feel more settled in a place that was still unfamiliar. Like many newcomers, she was finding her way through a new system, a new language, and a different pace of life.

The program became part of her routine. It was a place where she could take part, listen, and gradually feel more comfortable being there.

Over time, that experience stayed with her. It changed how she connected with others and how she saw herself.

Today, Duaa volunteers with FESA’s Reading and Writing Circles, supporting other newcomer women as they build their English skills and confidence. She was also recognized as FESA’s 2025 Outstanding Learner Award recipient, reflecting both her own journey and the way she now supports others.

Her story is shared here in her own words.

Duaa’s Story (in her own words)

My name is Duaa, and I moved with my family to Canada a few years ago. When we first arrived, I participated with my child in the Parent Child Mother Goose Program run by FESA. At that time, my daughter Yaffa was just five months old. As a new immigrant, I felt lonely and isolated. I was eager to connect with other moms and babies and to learn how to raise children in Canada.

Through weekly sessions, we spent fun time together, learned new things, and socialized with other mothers and their children. At first, I thought the program was mainly about singing and rhyming. But the more sessions I attended, the more I realized it was much more than that. I became more confident interacting with Yaffa in daily life, and I was thrilled to see her progress and development through the power of repetition by singing the same songs and rhymes again and again. What mattered just as much was the sense of community.

The program created a safe, welcoming space where moms could share feelings, experiences, and resources. Slowly, I no longer felt lonely or isolated.

When my son Omar was born, it was during COVID. I continued attending the program virtually with both Yaffa and Omar. Later, when the program returned to in-person delivery, Yaffa had started elementary school. Having the foundation of learning built through this program, she excelled academically and socially. Now Omar is two and a half years old, and we are attending the program again at the Children’s Cottage Society. Omar calls the weekly session his “school time” and is always excited to go and meet his friends.

I am deeply inspired by FESA’s extraordinary work in building strong families and strong communities in Calgary. As I had more free time recently, I decided to volunteer with FESA and give back to the community by supporting newcomers in their journey of learning English. With my educational background in education and linguistics, my experience in language teaching, and my ability to speak both English and Arabic, I felt I could help immigrant moms who are struggling with language barriers.

What drew me to FESA was its mission of empowering people through education. This value deeply resonates with me.

During my time volunteering with the ESL Reading and Writing Circles Program, I have supported learners in understanding English concepts, sometimes explaining ideas in Arabic when needed to ensure clarity. I have also learned so much myself about patience, adaptability, communication across cultures, and the incredible resilience of adult learners.

I have also learned so much myself about patience, adaptability, communication across cultures, and the incredible resilience of adult learners.

One of the most meaningful moments for me was when a participant proudly shared that she had registered her children for programs online on her own for the very first time. Moments like this remind me that even small steps can mean so much.

The Reading and Writing Circle Program at the Children’s Cottage Society offers a supportive learning environment where immigrant women can practice English without fear of judgment. Free childcare allows participants to focus on learning while knowing their children are cared for. Many women come not only to learn English, but also to connect with others who share similar

experiences.

I have witnessed learners grow from being shy and hesitant to speaking with more confidence, asking questions, and expressing themselves. Participants have shared that their improved English now helps them talk to their children’s teachers, ask questions at the doctor’s office, complete forms independently, or even make small talk with neighbours.

Being part of this journey has been incredibly rewarding and inspiring. It has shown me that education is not just about language. It is about empowerment, confidence, and connection. Every learner comes with a unique background and pace, and learning to meet people where they are is something I will carry with me into the future.

“Duaa is a dedicated volunteer in our ESL Reading and Writing Circles program at the Children’s Cottage Society. With her past experiences studying the English language, as a newcomer to Canada and as a parent, she brings real-life empathy and practical insight to every session. Her warmth and patience help participants feel understood and supported, and her willingness to share personal experiences has strengthened connections within the group. Duaa’s contributions have noticeably improved the learning environment and created a deeper sense of belonging for everyone who attend.” - Victoria, FESA Facilitator

What This Story Reminds Us

Duaa’s story shows how learning can change over time.

At first, it was about finding a place where she felt comfortable as a newcomer and could begin to find her footing. With time, that changed. She became more confident and more at ease in that space.

Now, she is supporting others who are in that same position she once was.

That change did not happen all at once. It grew through experience and being part of a community. In Duaa’s case, it brought her back into the same kind of program that supported her, but in a different role.

For others just starting out, she is now part of what makes that space feel welcoming, and part of how that learning continues.