(Bob Schneider/CHAT News)

By Adrian St.Onge

Medicine Hat parents honing their language skills after hours

Mar 11, 2024 | 8:45 AM

It’s a way to break down barriers in Medicine Hat.

Parents have started going to George Davison Elementary School after hours to hone their English speaking skills.

Teachers and social workers have taken time at the end of the day to help parents practice language comprehension with conversation and worksheets.

The program also helps newcomers adapt to a new culture.

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Cultural liaison worker Ayman Kaiden said that the program helps break barriers, misconceptions and cultural stereotypes.

Social worker Brittany Leblanc says that the program is informal and has no set curriculum, but that the program has grown to over 20 parents.

“I think that at the school just kind of had a collective goal of making sure that families know that they’re welcome in our school and that everyone has a sense of belonging,” Leblanc said.

“I think that through those conversations, what was loud and clear was that our families know that they do belong here, that they want to be in our school and that they want every opportunity they can have to help their kids be successful.”