Diana’s Confidence Journey Through Learning English

Like many newcomers to Canada, Diana faced challenges in practicing and improving her English.

That changed when she spotted a flyer at The Salvation Army Mississauga Community Church food bank, advertising the Love New Canadians English as a Second Language (ESL) program, an opportunity that would transform her learning.

Since joining, Diana, originally from Bogotá, Colombia, says the encouragement and high-quality instruction have profoundly impacted her confidence and language skills.

“The support is excellent. Everyone at The Salvation Army is brilliant and encourages me to continue learning English. I enjoy the great motivation to speak English,” she says.

Launched last fall, Love New Canadians is held twice weekly and is designed to help newcomers learn English in a welcoming, practical setting. The program focuses on everyday topics like shopping, seeing a doctor, and understanding Canadian holidays and customs while helping participants navigate their new environment.

“Usually, ESL classes are focused on writing, but many newcomers tell us they rarely get a chance to practice speaking,” explains Lieutenant Tharwat Eskander, director of outreach and evangelism at Mississauga Community Church. “Love New Canadians fills that gap. We’ve seen a remarkable improvement in people’s confidence in speaking and understanding English. Many are surprised by how much their skills improve.”

Earlier this spring, participants got a true taste of Canadian culture with a visit to a local sugar bush, learning how sap is turned into maple syrup.

“This was part of our curriculum, and it couldn’t have gone better,” says Tharwat. “They were curious, engaged, and asked so many questions. It was a brand-new experience for them—and they loved every minute.”

Roughly 45 participants from countries including Colombia, Vietnam, China, and Ukraine are enrolled. The program offers two tracks: one introducing Canadian culture and another for those interested in spiritual teachings.

For Diana, the program has made all the difference. Without it, she believes her progress would have been much slower.

“It has been an incredible experience and a valuable program. I truly appreciate the quality staff and materials,” she says.

Donations to The Salvation Army ensure people like Diana can access life-changing programs and services. Give hope today at www.SalvationArmy.ca or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY.