Regina Public Library helping Ukrainian arrivals improve English in new program

New Ukrainian arrivals in Regina will be able to get a little bit of help learning English.

The Regina Public Library will be teaming up with the Ukrainian Canadian Committee to create an English literacy program for Ukrainian refugees.

On Saturday, the program will launch, providing a quiet space for children and their parents to go to practise reading and writing. The program will combine English tutors from the library with Ukrainian volunteers from the community to help Ukrainian refugees learn or advance English skills.

On Monday, 230 Ukrainian citizens arrived at the Regina airport. These literacy services will be available if or when more Ukrainians arrive.

Millicent Mabi, director of community engagement and programming for the library, said the main goal is to create a comfortable environment where Ukrainians can come to learn.

“The Ukrainians will be introduced to the library and we will speak with them to understand the skill level they currently have, then learning what preferences they have for learning styles,” Mabi said.

Mabi said staff are prepared for people with all English literacy levels. The time will be dedicated to sit with tutors and work on reading and writing skills. Parents are also welcome to bring their kids along.

“We are also ready to receive and welcome children that are coming in,” said Mabi. “We will provide volunteers to help out with the kids as their parents receive some of the programming.”

Volunteers will have the opportunity to introduce some Canadian children’s book authors to kids and read them stories. Mabi hopes the library will provide a positive environment for them.

“They can learn in a positive environment that helps them build confidence and helps them learn faster, and just keep trying,” Mabi said. “If they make a mistake or two, they know it is OK because of the positive encouragement provided.”

Mabi hopes this will encourage parents to read to their kids as well.

“Reading can be done differently in different cultures,” she said. “In Canada, when parents read to their children, it builds their own skills reading and engaging with their kids. Beyond literacy, it also strengthens their family connections.

“When parents read to their children, it signals to their kids that it is a good thing. It happens in a family environment in which children feel safe.”

Following up the library’s English support program is the employment support program that can help newcomers in the workplace.

Mabi said “Ukrainian arrivals have benefited from and will continue to benefit from these programs” when taking them through the library.

The Regina Public Library has helped people learn and improve different languages through its language learning program. Mabi says the program has been “well-attended” and is very popular at the library.

That program has been in operation for 45 years and is designed for adults 18 years and older.