It's estimated that around 1.5 billion people speak English globally, either as their first or second language.
Canada has about 20 million native English speakers. 142 countries include English as a mandatory part of their national education policy. It's a beautiful language and, as the statistics show, one that is widely used around the world.
Here in the Parkland region, the L.E.A.R.N. Centre in Roblin is helping those who want to become more proficient in English. They continue to host conversational development sessions throughout January and into next month.
"These are English sessions for newcomers that have relocated to Roblin and the surrounding areas who are interested in building on their English language skills," Janet Wheaton told CKDM NewsNow.
The sessions began in December. They run on Saturdays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., and are free to attend.
"We had about five to six people show up. Weather was a factor; we had to cancel a few of the sessions," added Wheaton. "We were back on January 10, and three people showed up. Now that the holiday season is over, we're hoping those numbers will increase."
Some newcomers are hesitant to learn and speak English because of a combination of psychological barriers, including fear of judgment and making mistakes. Some don't because of the lack of practice opportunities and the complex nature of the language.
Thanks to the Roblin L.E.A.R.N. Centre, now is the perfect time to learn, if that's what you're interested in.
"It's a smaller setting. We offer coffee and snacks," ended Wheaton. "There's a wide variety of languages spoken for those who attend the sessions. You don't have to feel uncomfortable about not knowing the English language; it's a fun place to learn. It's an indirect way of learning. You're learning without any pressure of tests or anything like that. It's a place to build on your skills."
The Roblin L.E.A.R.N. Centre is located at 128 3rd Avenue NW in Roblin. The next session is this Saturday from 9:30 to 11:30.
