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English Classes and Community for Asylum-Seekers

Registered Name: Cultural Connections Institute - The Learning Exchange

Business No: 890218803RR0001

English Classes and Community for Asylum-Seekers

This year on November 28th, your gift to CCI-LEX will ensure our most vulnerable newcomers have access to the English language classes and community supports needed to rebuild their lives in Canada.

Over the past year, CCI-LEX has seen a dramatic increase in refugee claimants, or asylum-seekers, looking to join English classes in our LEX Program, as we are one of the few places in the city able to accept those with this status. However, wait times for refugee claimants to join classes our classes are averaging close to six months!

“CCI-LEX stands out as it is the only school that offers English language classes to refugee claimants. Their dedicated staff and teachers provide outstanding support in a number of ways. Since taking classes, I have become a much better English speaker.” -  Sema, Asylum-seeker from Turkey (translated from Turkish)

This fall, we started two classes specifically for asylum-seekers that had zero to little English, providing them with survival language skills and a safe, welcoming environment to find a sense of community in their new home.  However, the small grant we received to support these classes will run out in January. 

This Giving Tuesday, our goal is to raise $5000.  Together, we can keep these classes going for 8 more weeks! 

Thank you for thinking of CCI-LEX this Giving Tuesday, November 28!