The Rural Voice, 2005-12, Page 33)1-
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is a fear based on the fact that you
can't pronounce words or
understand."
Pronouncing words and writing
them, then recognizing when they're
wrong is one of the biggest
challenges," said Vinckx.
"Sometimes I don't even tell my
mother what it is like for me here
because she would worry."
The inability to communicate is
never more troublesome than when it
applies to the women's children.
Vinckx recalls a time when her son
bought home a note from his
teacher. "I learned English a bit in
Holland, to speak, but writing, not
for years. Now it's more important
because I want to be more
independent from my husband."
Both Vergeers said they wanted
to improve their writing and
grammar. "My children were
coming home with homework and
they correct you. I'd like to do
better," said Yvonne.
Gillan wanted to be able to
assimilate information on her own.
"People talk and I had to bring them
questions and they give me
answers."
Having been taught by Weber for
some time now, Gillan recently
achieved a goal she had set for
herself, finding employment. She
now works part-time in a grocery
store.
"People don't realize what a multi-
cultural county we really are," said
Weber. She notes that there are over
100 learners in the Avon Maitland
board requiring ESL assistance.
"These students have parents that
could benefit from our services as
well. Because we are considered
`isolated' too often the funding is not
there for learners in the school
system. What happens to the parents?
They don't have access to the
learning that might be of benefit to
them as well."
In the ESL classes, Weber said
learners participate in a broad
knowledge base, from learning how
to read cookbooks, to current events.
"I try to bring in the local papers to
discuss local issues."
"My aim in the program is to ease
the transition to this culture, to help
folks learn to love living in this rural
setting and to help them see how
much this area offers."0
May Christmas Fill
Your Home With Joy
Warm Holiday Greetings
from Mark Harding & Staff
range
Harriston, Ontario 519-338-2111 r. �
BUILDERS
LTD.
DECEMBER 2005 29
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May you enjoy the richness of our heritage with friends and
family this special season and throughout the coming year.
ellfGERMANIA FARMER'S
MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE
Ayton Ont. NOG 100 519-665-7715
DECEMBER 2005 29