Learning English, Building a Life

How one Calgary mother's journey through our ESL Reading and Writing Circles created a ripple of confidence that reached her entire family.

Calgary is one of Canada's top destinations for newcomers, home to a vibrant and growing immigrant community. Yet for many who arrive here, or who have lived here for years without access to formal English language support, everyday tasks that most take for granted can feel out of reach: reading a piece of mail, having a conversation with a neighbour, helping a child with schoolwork, or applying for a job.

The demand for accessible, community-based language and literacy support across Calgary continues to grow. ESL learners make up a large and increasing portion of those we serve, including not only recent newcomers but also long-term residents who have not yet had the opportunity to strengthen their English reading, writing, and communication skills.

To meet this need, our ESL Reading and Writing Circles now run at 14 locations across Calgary. These programs provide a welcoming, judgment-free space where adult learners can practice everyday English, build confidence, and connect with others in their community. Sessions focus on practical communication, from reading mail and understanding bills to chatting with neighbours or preparing for employment. Many participants also access complementary programs in workplace skills, financial literacy, and family literacy, finding support that reaches well beyond the classroom.

"It's not just about learning English. It is about empowerment, confidence, and connection."

The impact of these programs extends far beyond the individual learner. When a parent gains confidence in English, the effects are felt throughout the family and community. That is precisely the kind of transformation we witnessed in Maria.

Maria’s Story

Maria started the ESL Reading and Writing Circle in 2025 and is currently attending her second round of the program. She has two school aged children.

When she first began the program, she was very shy and did not speak unless spoken to. As weeks progressed, her facilitator encouraged her with lots of praise and patience. Although she was hesitant at first, she gradually started speaking more, asking questions, and engaging in class activities. Her confidence grew as she participated in partner and group work in speaking, reading, and writing. Her facilitator began noticing that she would carefully copy everything from the whiteboard and even started helping others with vocabulary, pronunciation, and translation.

As Maria's confidence increased, the effects extended beyond her own learning. She began greeting classmates warmly and making small talk in English, even with those who do not share her native language. She became the first to volunteer for new tasks and often served as a translator in class. What has been especially meaningful is how she has brought her learning home to her children. Maria frequently shares classroom activities with them, showing a real desire to model English use at home.

During the teachers' strike, she brought her children to class, and they fully participated alongside her. Maria intentionally chose to speak to them in English during the sessions, and they completed worksheets together, eagerly engaging and sharing their answers with classmates. This not only strengthened her own English skills but also created a positive learning environment for her children. Through her example, they experienced firsthand the importance of language learning, collaboration, and confidence.

She has spoken proudly about taking her children to festivals, the Zoo, Banff, and other community activities, experiences she now discusses confidently in English. Her growing comfort with English has empowered her to help her children navigate these experiences, enriching their learning outside of school and giving them a strong foundation for success.

Maria's commitment, perseverance, and love of learning have created a powerful ripple effect. Not only has she made incredible progress, but she has also inspired her children to develop a love of learning that will support their future success in school and in the community. Her growth has strengthened her family's language skills, confidence, and participation in everyday life. It has been a pleasure to facilitate Maria and learn from her as well. Her facilitator is confident she will continue with English classes and continue building confidence, both for herself and for her children.

-Story written by an ESL Reading and Writing Circles Program Facilitator.

Maria's story is one of many. Across Calgary, learners just like her are showing up, session after session, building skills that quietly ripple outward into their families and neighbourhoods. Across our programs last year, 95% of learners applied their new skills beyond the classroom, and 96% strengthened their foundational literacy and essential skills.

Language opens doors that are difficult to describe until you have walked through them yourself. For parents especially, gaining confidence in English means being able to advocate for their children, engage more fully in daily life, and model the kind of curiosity and perseverance that lasts a lifetime. That is what we see, again and again, in the circles we facilitate across this city.

Pictures from our ESL Reading and Writing Circles this year: