English Café Builds Confidence and Language Skills

Arriving in a new country can be both an exciting and overwhelming experience. For some, the language barrier can pose an obstacle that not only affects communication but also makes it difficult to socialize.

At The Salvation Army’s Living Hope Community Church, located at the Barbara Mitchell Community Centre in Winnipeg, newcomers can join the English Café, a space where they practice speaking and make connections.

“My proficiency improved significantly.”

The program has been operating for 25 years. It offers a welcoming and supportive environment that helps participants develop their fluency while also introducing them to Canadian and Manitoban culture.

Attendees are divided into groups based on their skill level, allowing them to learn at their own pace through conversation. Volunteers lead each session with patience and genuine care.

Ray (Hua Chunlei), who arrived in Canada from China in 2024, is a dedicated member of the café. He says his experience has been transformative.

“When I first arrived, my English level was close to zero,” he shares.

After a few months, progress began to take shape.

“My proficiency improved significantly,” he adds. “I have made many friends here and it gives me a sense of community and family.”

Camaraderie is common among the newcomers who join the program. Shared experiences create a bond.

Three years ago, Veronika moved to Winnipeg from Ukraine. She remembers her early months as challenging.

“Now I feel more confident talking to people.”

“Everything was new. The language, culture, even daily life,” she says. “I felt shy speaking English and I sometimes couldn’t understand people.”

Veronika joined the program after learning about it from a Salvation Army staff member she met at a bus stop.

“I decided I should give it a try,” she adds. “Now I feel more confident talking to people.”

Shan, another loyal attendee, says the experience helped her overcome the language insecurity she felt after arriving in Canada in 2023.

“I learned everyday expressions and I can now hold conversations with classmates from different countries.”

The café is also a space where participants find spiritual support, regardless of their religious backgrounds. For newcomers who miss their families or are fleeing conflict, this companionship gives them strength and hope.

The group also takes part in different activities. They have a yearly road trip within the province, celebrate different holidays and frequently discover Canadian cultural traditions.

“A moment that stood out to me was our Christmas and New Year celebration,” Veronika shares. “We Ukrainians sang traditional carols and some peers from India danced. We talked a lot, shared our cultures and foods.”

For some, involvement with The Salvation Army extends beyond the program. Ray and Shan, for example, have volunteered with the food bank and during the annual kettle campaign.

The English Café is not only a place to learn a new tongue; it is also where many begin to feel at home in Canada. 

By Juan Romero