Cultural Connections Institute - The Learning Exchange
This organization has already been registered
Someone in your organization has already registered and setup an account. would you like to join their team?Profile owner : e****************r@c*****x.ca
Mission Statement
Our Mission is to promote personal growth for adult learners through English Language instruction and the exchange of cultural knowledge.
About This Cause
Our Organization Cultural Connections Institute - The Learning Exchange (CCI-LEX) is a not-for-profit, charitable organization in downtown Edmonton that connects adult newcomers to community through English Language training, cultural exchange, and relationship building. CCI-LEX has been providing English as a Second Language (ESL) classes for Literacy and Beginner to Advanced level learners, since 2003. CCI-LEX specializes in accessible and flexible delivery of language classes with an emphasis on community-building and cultural exchange. All our learners have unique stories, experience, skills, and knowledge that make them unique – and we believe that should be expressed and shared in the classroom. By providing flexible, affordable, and accessible language classes, some of the barriers newcomers face when attempting to access learning opportunities are reduced. Multiple classes are offered at multiple times, and learners can start, stop, and re-enter programs as they need, accommodating for changing work schedules, childcare issues, or limited budgets. CCI-LEX also recognizes that English is just one ingredient to successful settlement in Edmonton. Cultural knowledge, awareness of resources and services, different social activities and the building of networks all improve connections to one’s community. This in turn contributes to mental and physical well-being of individuals, making this equally important to the long-term success of newcomers to Canada and their ability to be active, contributing citizens. Core Programs and Services The Learning Exchange Program (LEX), is a low-cost part-time ESL Program taught by volunteer instructors. Volunteers facilitate students’ language learning as well as their understanding of Canadian culture and their local community. On average the LEX program serves 550-700 adult learners from over 80 different countries each year. This program is funded by the Government of Alberta, Ministry and Immigration. Cultural Connections Institute (CCI) is a non-funded, earned revenue ESL program with certified Teaching English as Second Language (TESL) instructors. This program is open to any adult regardless of their immigration status, and is a fee-based program. On average, 350-450 adult learners from over 60 different countries each year. Through its ESL in the Community Program, CCI-LEX identifies volunteers and casual instructors who are teaching English to newcomers in their local communities, but have little to no training or support to do so. CCI-LEX lends its expertise to support the efforts of these organizations and individuals, by providing training workshops, a set of lesson plans, and other teaching resources. Over the past three years CCI-LEX has trained more than 100 volunteers from 25 different community organizations. Community Connections and network building for newcomers is also an important part of CCI-LEX’s work. Therefore, in addition to in-class learning, CCI-LEX provides regular opportunities for students to learn about and get involved in their community. This includes group volunteer activities at local community organizations, and low-cost social and recreational activities to introduce learners to local events and attractions, such as ice skating, festivals, or nearby parks. Lastly, workshops and information sessions on a variety of topics important to settlement are organized, such as employee rights, resume writing, or financial literacy.