Annual Report 2007-2008

Language for Living

20yearsHILC

1988 - 2008

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Contents

Joint Chair and Executive Director’s message 2

20 years of delivering Language for Living 4

LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) 6

Family Learning Program 8

Child Learning Centre 9

WINS (Work in Nova Scotia) 10

English in the Workplace 11

EWP Distance Delivery 12

Evening Classes 12

Labor Market Language Program 13

LML Distance Delivery 15

Computer Training 15

Resource Development 16

Volunteers 18

Professional Development 19

Regional & National Initiatives 19

Highlights, partnerships and special projects 20

HILC Staff 23

Client Profile 24

Annual Statistics 2007-2008 25

Auditor’s Report 26

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2

HILC Board of Directors

2007-08

Chair – Craig Morrison

Acting Chair -Ross Mitchell

Treasurer – Adam Randell

Member – Russell Walker

Member – Olaf Berghaus

Member – Norma Oyler

Member – Jeanne Comeau

Member – Paul Schwartz

Ex Officio

Staff – Andrew Leverman

Executive Director - Gerry Mills

As we proudly celebrate 20 years of service to our community and look to the future, it is

fitting that we spend some time reflecting on our past. HILC began as English Unlimited in

September, 1988. Twenty years ago two, newly trained English as a Second Language

instructors identified a need and a shared a vision for a place where immigrants and

their children could learn English together, a place where they could learn the skills that

they needed to reach their goals and become contributing members of the community.

English Unlimited began on a fee for service basis, but in the Fall of 1988, recognizing an

opportunity to advance their vision, a proposal was developed, funding was confirmed

and the first Settlement and Language Training Program in Nova Scotia opened its doors

on Barrington Street to immigrants and their pre-school children in the spring of 1989.

Today the organization delivers a wide range of programs and services, has a staff of

over 35 and delivers language training to almost 900 clients a year. While there have

been many people who have played a part in the development of HILC over the years,

we would like to recognize those two ESL teachers who laid the foundation for the

organization – Jennifer Acker and Kathy Burnett. We would like to give special thanks to

Kathy Burnett, who has continued to work in the organisation for the past 20 years,

contributing her skills and talents to the success and reputation that HILC enjoys today.

As the newcomer needs have changed over the last 20 years, so has the organization

grown and we look back with pride at HILC’s accomplishments and the recognition,

both in Nova Scotia and across the country, as a leader in developing and delivering

language training. Since 1988, over 9,000 newcomers have benefited from HILC’s

language and skill development programs, and we would like to acknowledge our

funders, in particular, Citizenship and Immigration Canada, who 20 years ago, trusted

that we could realize the vision. We also recognize the principles that enhanced the

capacity of the organization and guided it towards best practice - responsiveness,

professionalism, recognition of diversity of client needs, relevancy and innovation.

During this anniversary year, the staff and board members of HILC have been engaged

in a strategic planning process, which was designed to support HILC in developing a

future vision, in becoming more proactive in determining preferred directions and in

positioning HILC within the new context of settlement service delivery in Nova Scotia.

Halifax Immigrant

Learning Centre is a

community based non

profit organization

committed to supporting

the language learning

goals of newcomers. In a

creative and respectful

environment, we strive to

provide quality and

effective learning

opportunities to promote

the active participation

of newcomers in our

community

JJooiinntt CChhaaiirr aanndd EExxeeccuuttiivvee DDiirreeccttoorr’’ss MMeessssaaggee

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3

This year has once again been one of immense growth and innovation at HILC, growth

and innovation that are characteristic of the organization’s history and development.

Our service delivery programs were expanded with English for Financial Purposes,

TOEFL Preparation, Language for Portfolio Development, Language Support for the

Registered Nurses Bridging Program, LINC 5 class and Writing for the Workplace. Our

online and distance learning continues to be cutting edge key service enhancements

for newcomers outside HRM and this year we developed a number of online resources

for pronunciation, workplace culture, listening and writing. We also delivered distance

English in the Workplace, the first of its kind in the country and piloted Online Writing for

the Workplace to newcomers outside HRM in Nova Scotia and pre-arrival in Canada in

India, China and the Philippines. Our research and development team has also been

busy again this year, developing resources on anti-racism, portfolio development, self

study guides and ESL Literacy, but we have also revised and improved a number of our

existing resources – all in an effort to ensure ongoing relevancy and appropriateness.

Newcomers look to us, not just to learn, but to help them identify and link with

communities that can help them reach their individual goals and HILC’s programs

continue to be built on strong and strategic partnerships with community partners,

employers, occupational regulatory bodies, professional associations and service

providers that provide this link. These evolving partnerships pave the way for

opportunities for clients and nurturing these relationships is a critical part of HILC’s work

.

The success of any organization is built on its staff and HILC would like to sincerely thank

all members of staff, past and present, for their commitment, professionalism and

passion. Their work has realized, indeed surpassed, the vision of so many years ago.

We would also like to acknowledge the contribution of our volunteers who support

HILC’s work in so many ways, including the members of the Board who play a key role

in the governance and direction of the organization. Thank you all for playing a role in

ensuring success for immigrants who choose Nova Scotia as their home.

Most of all, we would like to thank the newcomers, who have allowed us to be part of

their lives, who have shared their stories, entrusted us with their learning and provided

us with the inspiration to achieve this milestone. We thank each and every one of

them. As we celebrate this year, we continue to remain committed to our clients and

to our mission—to provide quality and effective learning opportunities to promote the

active participation of newcomers in our community. We look forward to the next 20

years of serving our community and with the strength of 20 years of service, we look

forward to shaping a future that is as inspired and as full of potential as the clients that

we serve.

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4

2200 yyeeaarrss ooff ddeelliivveerriinngg LLaanngguuaaggee ffoorr LLiivviinngg

1988 Jennifer Acker and Kathy Burnett, opened English Unlimited as a private

English as a Second Language school in the Green Lantern Building on Barrington

Street in Halifax with five students.

Later in the same year, in response to a growing need for language training for

immigrant women, English Unlimited incorporated as a non profit organization,

gained charitable status and received funding from Citizenship and Immigration

Canada to provide the first Settlement Language Training Program in the Atlantic

region, with a focus on immigrant women and their pre-school aged children.

1989 The organization moved to St Joseph's Church on Russell Street and began to

provide settlement language training and childcare to all immigrants and in

addition, developed programs targeted for newcomer parents, entrepreneurs and

youth.

1990 English Unlimited changed its name to Halifax Immigrant Learning Centre to

more accurately reflect the mandate of the organization.

1993 HILC moved to Fairview, increased the number of language classes, both day

and evening and began to provide on site workplace programs - English in the

Workplace - for employed newcomers.

1996 HILC opened a new computer lab to provide computer assisted language

learning programs and computer skills training. HILC continued to increase the

number of classes, both in the day time and in the evening.

1998 - 2000 HILC continued to provide language training but began to undertake

research and development activities. Research was conducted on the language

and mental health needs of newcomers in Nova Scotia. Developed a range of

resources, including ESL certification training manuals for the Tourism industry, ESL

literacy, computer instruction, reading and cultural orientation resources.

2001 Collaborated with the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) to develop and

pilot English for Academic Purposes Course for newcomers.

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2001 - 2003 This was a challenging period for HILC. Reduced numbers of immigrants

coming to Nova Scotia led to reduced funding for HILC, which, in turn, led to cuts in

staff and services.

2003 HILC moved to Chebucto Place to co-locate with the Metropolitan Immigrant

Settlement Association (MISA). Began to provide Citizenship Preparation Classes

2004 HILC began to place a focus on labor market language training and was one

of only two organizations in Canada that applied for and received Enhanced

Language Training funding. Developed and delivered English for Work and Business,

Orientation to Healthcare System for Internationally Educated Healthcare

Professionals

2005 HILC opened its first English for Internationally Educated Healthcare

Professionals class.

2006 HILC opened its first English for Engineers Class and in partnership with NSCC,

became the first immigrant language deliverer in Canada to provide distance

language training via videoconference. HILC’s partnership with MISA led to the

launch of WINS (Work in Nova Scotia), an innovative and integrated bridging model

of employment and workplace language service delivery for newcomers to Nova

Scotia.

2007 HILC opened English for Managers, English for Financial Professionals’, TOEFL

Preparation, Internationally Educated Teachers’ Orientation, Family Learning and

Language for Portfolio Development classes. Following research in how to respond to

the needs of newcomers outside HRM, HILC began to provide distance language

training via range of technologies.

2008 HILC piloted delivering distance language training to newcomers across Nova

Scotia, as well as in partnership with the Association for Canadian Community

Colleges, for newcomers pre-landing - in China, Philippines and India.

HILC celebrates its twentieth anniversary of providing Language for Living to over

9,000 newcomers.

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The Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program at HILC offers

newcomers English as a Second Language classes to help build language

competencies and strategies that promote integration into Canadian society. LINC

also specializes in helping clients acquire literacy skills that can benefit the whole

family. This year has been exceptional for HILC and for the LINC Program in terms of

opportunity and growth. In the last 12 months, the program has witnessed new classes,

increased staff and classroom capacity and produced quality projects that have

directly impacted newcomers and their language development.

This year the LINC Program has:

� Delivered English language training on site and off-site to 263 students

� Provided educational activities to 46 children in the Child Learning Centre

� Benefited from the services of 34 volunteers, 3 medical students and 6

occupational therapy students

� Incorporated a LINC 5 class into the program

� Acquired two classrooms at St. Andrews Recreation Centre

� Developed and implemented a summer program

� Developed a reading series for literacy/low level learners - Changing Lanes

The success of the LINC program is a direct result of the dedication, cooperation and

hard work of the LINC instructors and Early Childhood Educators. It has been a busy

and productive year that has seen many changes that have posed challenges and

hurdles, and throughout the staff has shown professionalism, creativity, flexibility and a

love for teaching. What instructors do at HILC every day makes a difference in the lives

of many newcomers.

The addition of LINC 5 to the program this year has added a new important stage in

language learning for HILC clients and has bridged a gap by allowing a LINC student

to graduate with Canadian Language Benchmarks 6/7, meeting the criteria for several

labor market language courses.

LLaanngguuaaggee IInnssttrruuccttiioonn ffoorr NNeewwccoommeerrss ttoo CCaannaaddaa

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In November, 2007 HILC opened a classroom at St. Andrews Recreation Centre with a

second classroom to become available in April, 2008. The new LINC 5 class began in

this location with LINC 4 following in January, 2008. All students at St. Andrews benefit

from the additional computer training and writing classes that are available at the

main MISA-HILC site.

This year the LINC Program continued to operate through the summer. The special

summer program ran from July 5th to August 28th and because it was the only summer

program available in HRM, it was very well attended. Along with 46% of HILC students,

there were 60 applicants from other LINC schools. Most of the students enrolled in the

summer program expressed that the practical skills they learned were important for

improving their communication skills for daily living.

Computer is also an important part of the LINC program. Each LINC level has access

to the computer lab and students can also access the computer training that is

offered to all clients of MISA-HILC outside of class time. Feedback indicates that

students are very satisfied with the current computer program.

At the end of the fiscal year, funding was provided for 8 computers to be installed at

St. Andrews Recreation Centre. This enables the instructors holding classes at the

centre to provide equal access to computer use for all LINC clients.

LLaanngguuaaggee IInnssttrruuccttiioonn ffoorr NNeewwccoommeerrss ttoo CCaannaaddaa

“I like my teacher because the practice in the class is very good and because she

is warm and patient.”

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The instructor of the Family Learning Program (FLP) has had a wonderful opportunity

this year to expand, enrich and develop the program further and to gain expertise in

the field of family literacy. The Family Learning Program, which began in November,

2006 has seen 4 graduates this year; 4 newcomers who were unable to read and write

in their first language when they entered the program, but can now read stories and

do homework with their children. It is a testimony to the success of the program, when

parents are asking the teacher for reading materials to use at home with their children.

Another valuable result of this program has been the connection to the family resource

centers in the area. The FLP has involved students in the activities of the centers such as

parent and tot play programs, summer field trips, school readiness programs for pre-

schoolers, craft workshops and holiday celebrations. The students interact with the

friendly and helpful staff at the centers which lends a hand in building confidence with

communication and to feel a part of Canadian society.

FFaammiillyy LLeeaarrnniinngg PPrrooggrraamm

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9

CChhiilldd LLeeaarrnniinngg CCeennttrree

The Child Learning Centre provides childcare for newcomer parents and care givers

while they are actively involved in learning language in the HILC classes. The Early

Childhood Education instructors show a high level of dedication and commitment to

the developmental and language growth of clients’ children by involving them in

creative play, music, stories and crafts in a welcoming, safe and nurturing

environment. Throughout the year, the staff provides support and advice to parents

formally in parent-teacher interviews as well as informally on a daily basis.

The centre continues to stand as an excellent example of a welcoming and

nurturing place for children to learn developmental and language skills. This year the

ECE instructors incorporated 12 new themes into the program, implementing new

activities that help to increase school readiness for toddlers and pre-school children

in the centre.

As we celebrate our 20th anniversary this year, HILC would like to thank Thuy Truong,

the Lead in the Child Learning Centre for bringing her commitment, her skills and her

inimitable enthusiasm to the organization. Thuy has been a member of staff for 15

years and much of the success enjoyed by the Child Learning Centre over the years

has been through her quiet but skillful guidance. Thank you Thuy.

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10

WWoorrkk iinn NNoovvaa SSccoottiiaa ((WWIINNSS))

Newcomers consistently identify language and employment as their two major

challenges as they settle in Nova Scotia. Work in Nova Scotia (WINS) is MISA and HILC’s

response to those challenges. WINS is a client-centred and menu-driven service delivery

model which provides a bridging program for the workforce integration of newcomers.

It is a unique bridging program that is customized, collaborative and results driven. HILC

provides programs and services under the WINS umbrella through two programs – the

Labor Market Language Program and the English in the Workplace Program.

We continue to add services to the WINS program in order to increase labor market

access for newcomers in Nova Scotia and this year HILC’s English for Financial Purposes,

Writing for the Workplace (both online and classroom-based), TOEFL Preparation,

Language for Portfolio Development, Bridge to Nursing and Distance English in the

Workplace contributed to the growth of the WINS Services.

HILC and MISA also initiated and dedicated a lot of time this year to the development of

Working in Nova Scotia. This is a document (and soon to follow website), produced by

the Province of Nova Scotia that helps newcomers prepare for and find work in the

province.

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11

EEnngglliisshh iinn tthhee WWoorrkkppllaaccee

In 2007-08 English in the Workplace has delivered 45 training programs to 77 learners.

Fifteen established employers used our services again this year. English in the

Workplace delivered training to large employers such as Convergys, Envirosystems,

and Ocean Nutrition and to smaller employers such as Ports Seafood Restaurant and

Downsview Motel. Because of their ongoing commitment to hire newcomers to

Canada, we have continuing relationships with employers such as Keane Canada,

Pier 21, and the Prince George Hotel, where we are offering courses almost every

semester. It appears that a similar relationship is developing with Convergys, Nova

Scotia’s largest employer, where we are currently teaching 11 employees.

In addition to our established employers, we delivered training to 17 new employers.

These new employers included larger workplaces such as Atlantic Superstore,

Canadian Tire and Shannex Enhanced Care, as well as mid-sized workplaces such as

Advanced Precision, Jaques Whitford and ABM Integrated Solutions. We also

supported immigrant business owners, serving for the first time businesses such as

Heiwa Oriental Market, and T & K Hair Salon. Through our distance program, we

served two new workplaces located outside HRM, Register.com in Yarmouth and

Cape Breton Regional Hospital in Sydney.

In January and June we had a joint recognition and graduation event for students,

employers and clients from the English in the Workplace and Labour Market

Language Programs. Both Mayor Peter Kelly and Minister of Immigration Len

Goucher spoke at the January event.

As demand for EWP continues to increase, we are planning to expand and hire an

additional instructor, making a total of 3 full time instructors and a manager.

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English in the Workplace has expanded outside HRM, offering customized

occupational English classes for employed newcomers in their workplace

throughout Nova Scotia. The EWP instructor teaches the employee live via the

computer, using a webcam, a microphone and the internet. Using a blended

learning approach with Moodle and Skype, the instructor creates a live face to

face training session, with speaking and listening activities, as well as collaboration

on written assignments and interactive exercises.

After a successful pilot project at Dillon Consulting in Sydney, English in the

Workplace has delivered two distance training sessions to customer service

representatives at Register.com in Yarmouth, and one session to a digital imaging

technician at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital in Sydney. As word about our

distance service spreads, we are receiving more requests. We plan to further

develop our distance delivery program in the next few years.

EEWWPP DDiissttaannccee DDeelliivveerryy

EEvveenniinngg CCllaasssseess

Many newcomers to Canada leave formal language training to find work or care

for their family, but still need to improve their English skills to be able to integrate

culturally, socially and economically into the community. HILC offers a level 4

class, a level 5 class and a combined level 6/7 class to support these immigrants.

Classes are offered two evenings a week for 2 hours each. The classes operate on

a continuous intake basis that is flexible and responds to the needs of the learners.

This year, the level 6/7 class, while still responding to the needs of the learners,

continues to draw on the English for Work and Business curriculum.

The demand for evening classes is now higher than ever. This year the Evening

Class Program provided language training to 100+ clients.

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13

LLaabboouurr MMaarrkkeett LLaanngguuaaggee PPrrooggrraamm

HILC’s Labor Market Language Programs continue to evolve and grow as we explore

and respond to the labor market language needs of newcomers in Nova Scotia. HILC’s

Labour Market Program participants have increased 253% from the previous year. The

strength of the Labour Market Language Programs is the continued and growing

collaboration with community partners and stakeholders. HILC continues to provide

leadership in the community to support a smooth transition for newcomers into

appropriate employment.

Labour Market Language Programs and Clients

April 1, 2007 – March 31, 2008

Orientation for Teachers 8

English for Engineers 10

English for Financial Purposes 12

Writing for the Workplace Pilot (online) 15

TOEFL Preparation 15

Language Learning Strategies 17

ESL Videoconference 18

Writing for the Workplace (classroom based) 20

English for Healthcare Professionals 25

Bridge to Nursing (RNPDC) 25

Language for Portfolio 26

English for Managers 28

English for Work and Business (day) 44

Computer Training 87

Professional Series 189

Total 539

English for Financial Purposes was offered for the first time this year, hoping to address

the needs of newcomers with financial/accounting backgrounds who are entering the

workforce. This is an intensive 170-hour communication course that focuses on the

language skills needed to practice effectively in a Canadian financial work

environment. This course was delivered once in 2007/08. It was delivered two evenings

a week over a six month period.

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14

HILC offered a TOEFL class to address the increasing need of newcomer

professionals to take a TOEFL test to show their level of English. This is often in

response to a professional regulatory body or for entrance to further education

opportunities. This course was delivered once in 2007/08. It was delivered two

evenings a week over an eight week period.

The Portfolio Development Workshops were incorporated into the Labour Market

Language Programs. In the workshops, clients explore how to effectively talk

about professional skills and experiences and then practice speaking effectively

and confidently about them in professional settings. These workshops were

offered to four Labour Market Language classes in 2007/08. The Portfolio

Development Workshops were a highlight in the Labour market Language

Programs this year. One client said, “I have more than 20 years experience. The

most important thing I learned here is how I can talk about my skills and work

experience. I am so more confident to talk about my previous life. Now I am able

to offer myself with confidence.”

Another highlight this year was the IEHP community component, which, as an

integral part of the English for Internationally Educational Healthcare Professionals

class, provides clients with the opportunity to explore and gain insight into the

range of health related programs, supports and resources in the community.

These visits have been a truly valuable learning experience as clients interact with

Nova Scotian healthcare professionals and then reflect on their visits in class. As

these community visits continue, so too does the demystification of the Canadian

healthcare system for the newcomer healthcare professionals.

One last highlight this year was the development & delivery of Writing for the

Workplace Online, responding to the need of newcomers living beyond the

Halifax Regional Municipality as well as the needs of newcomers who aren’t able

to access regularly scheduled programs. The demand for online programs is

increasing and accounts for the majority of requests for service. A small number of

participants in Writing for the Workplace were located overseas and were part of

the Canadian Immigration Integration Project (CIIP).

LLaabboouurr MMaarrkkeett LLaanngguuaaggee PPrrooggrraamm

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As HILC continues to deliver and develop opportunities for distance delivery of

programs, requests for service beyond the Halifax Regional Municipality

continue to increase. The Videoconferencing Class continues to be the

champion for successful distance delivery. Learners in Truro, Kentville and

Halifax gather every Tuesday and Thursday evenings to focus on general

workplace language skills, incorporating a variety of skills and activities that are

connected to real life. As well as learning the language newcomers need to

function in a Canadian workplace, participants also learn about Canadian

workplace culture and expectations. The program has also helped create a

sense of community amongst students and alleviate isolation. The addition of

a more formalized online component has provided an additional support to

access relevant links to listening, reading and writing resources. The online

component also provides a place for valuable discussion that facilitates the

development of a sense of community outside of the classroom. HILC’s strong

partnership with the Nova Scotia Community College has contributed to the

tremendous success of this groundbreaking program.

Writing for the Workplace Pilot (online)

Writing for the Workplace was developed to meet a demand for advanced

workplace writing skills for newcomer professionals looking for employment.

This course was delivered once in 2007/08 over a sixteen week period.

The enhanced computer component for HILC’s clients, complement and

support the language learning tasks in the classroom. The client centered

computer lab allows clients learn new skills or practice and refine existing

computer skills once a week. Developing and strengthening computer skills can

provide the confidence needed to prepare to interact with computers in the

workplace. CALL (Computer Assisted Language Learning), Microsoft

PowerPoint, Word and Excel are some of the programs being offered in the

Computer Lab.

CCoommppuutteerr TTrraaiinniinngg

LLMMLL DDiissttaannccee DDeelliivveerryy

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HILC continues to be recognized nationally and internationally for the

publications and resources produced by the creative and talented staff.

Publication requests are received on a continuous basis from all corners of the

world. The ESL Computer Books, developed in 2001-3 have been downloaded

over 151,463 times and Hands On, a Resource for ESL Literacy has been

downloaded 9,235 times in the last couple of years.

It has been another productive year for HILC in the area of resource

development especially for use in the online context. The online resources are

designed for CLB 6+, some to be delivered by an instructor and others are

designed to be used as self-access resources without a facilitator.

Online Resources

• What Did You Say? Authentic Listening Practice - A series of workplace

conversations in audio format with related activities

• The Cultural Compass: A Series of Workplace Scenarios – A series of

Canadian workplace scenarios designed to help identify and discuss

cultural challenges in a variety of Canadian workplaces.

• Say it Better: A Pronunciation Series – A compilation of activities

designed to help improve pronunciation and clear speech.

• Writing for the Workplace Pilot (online) - Writing for the Workplace was

developed and delivered in 2007/08. The programs strive to give

newcomers knowledge about the basics of writing, then build on this

foundation with the professional writing skills that a newcomer will

need in the workplace.

• Through the Lens: Helping Newcomers speak about racism and

Discrimination in Canada The authentic scenarios and practical

activities are a resource in ESL classrooms and to groups that want to

explore the topic of racism and discrimination in Canada.

RReessoouurrccee DDeevveellooppmmeenntt

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• Practice English on your Own: A Self Study Guide for English Language Learners in

Nova Scotia

• Changing Lanes a series of 7 books, designed for ESL Literacy learners, and

containing simple authentic stories around everyday living and life skills which

includes exercises to strengthen pronunciation and to increase reading fluency

and writing skills.

• Idioms for the Workplace – A glossary of more than 200 work related idioms was

posted on HILC’s online course website.

• A set of video Workplace culture scenarios

OOtthheerr RReessoouurrcceess

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HILC is indebted to the many volunteers who contributed their time, passion,

energy and expertise to the organization this year. Volunteers enhance the life of

the organization and of our clients, in significant and innumerable ways. A sincere

and heartfelt Thank you!

HILC’s volunteers work in a number of areas, at both board and operational level.

HILC has a diverse volunteer board whose leadership and vision over the past

twenty years, has ensured HILC’s continued viability and strategic focus. They are a

large part of HILC’s success and we are grateful to them for their energy and

commitment.

This year, HILC has had more volunteers at the operational level than ever,

contributing their considerable expertise, particularly in the LINC Program. Most

find HILC through word of mouth, from the website or through the HOST and ESL

Tutor Coordinators at MISA. HILC was also an organization of choice for 5 medical

students and 6 occupational therapy students seeking to do their volunteer

placements. Many of these volunteers give their time and energy to the two

literacy programs at HILC. Some of the volunteers come more that once a week

and have been with HILC for several years.

The medical and occupational therapy students volunteered at HILC as part of

their community placement program and both tutored directly in the classroom

and developed and facilitated workshops for newcomers on a range of

healthcare topics.

HILC would like to take this opportunity to thank one volunteer in particular. Norma

Oyler has contributed her many talents to HILC as a volunteer for 16+ years. She

was a classroom volunteer for many years, was Chair of the Board and is currently

serving as a Board Member. Thank you Norma for your ongoing support for and

commitment to the organization.

“Volunteer teaching at HILC is its own reward. In addition to the satisfaction that

comes from helping others to improve their lives, the diverse cultural backgrounds,

life experiences, and positive attitudes of the students is edifying. For me, teaching

at HILC has been an exceptionally positive, life-affirming experience.”

VVoolluunntteeeerrss

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19

PPrrooffeessssiioonnaall DDeevveellooppmmeenntt

RReeggiioonnaall aanndd NNaattiioonnaall IInniittiiaattiivveess

HILC staff members continue to devote time to participate in national initiatives within the

settlement and ESL sector. Currently HILC staff members sit on the following

boards/committees:

� Atlantic Region Association of Immigrant Serving Agencies (ARAISA)

� Multicultural Education Council of Nova Scotia (MECNS)

� Teachers of English as a Second Language Nova Scotia and Canada (TESL)

� Metro Council on Continuing Education

� Canadian Council for Refugees

� Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks

HILC recognizes that its greatest asset is its staff. As a learning organization that is

focused on developing a culture of learning, HILC provides many opportunities

as it can to assist staff with their professional development. Although there is a

limited budget for professional development, many staff members are able to

take advantage of conferences, workshops, university and college courses,

online training programs and meetings to further develop their skills and

competencies in order to better serve our clients.

HILC also organizes a number of internal professional development opportunities

for staff. This year there were two retreats, one for the WINS staff, including both

MISA and HILC, and one for the LINC and MISA settlement staff. In addition, there

were a number of day and half day workshops related to teaching English, that

were organized by Program Managers. Exterbal professional development

opportunities, included the Anti-Racism Workshops, attendance at TESL Nova

Scotia Conference and the National Metropolis Conference.

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Partnership with MISA

HILC’s co-location with MISA continues to be of enormous benefit to both

organizations by allowing us to provide a unified voice in the community, a higher

profile for immigration and settlement issues and most importantly, to create

opportunities for enhanced collaboration and programming that support the

successful integration of newcomers into our community. The divide between

language and employment and language and settlement becomes ever narrower as

we assemble, merge and link programs.

Highlight and ..

The good news was that two of our long standing HILC employees became pregnant -

at the same time. The bad news was that within them they held the corporate history,

knowledge and skills for developing and delivering distance/online programs. We are

thrilled for Sarah and Carol and hope that they thoroughly enjoy their year with their

babies. We look forward to welcoming them back soon!

Canadian Council on Learning Research

HILC was contracted by the Adult Learning Knowledge Centre of the Canadian

Council on Learning this year to conduct research, through a series of Community

Knowledge Exchange Meetings, on the Learning Needs of Adult Newcomers in the

Atlantic Region. This was a significant piece of research that will contribute to the

strategic focus of HILC in the coming year.

English for Academic Purposes

HILC was the lead in setting up the EAP Program at the Nova Scotia Community

College a number of years ago and continues to provide support for the EAP program

by conducting evaluations of the students each year.

CIIP

In January – March HILC partnered with the Canadian Immigration Integration Project,

delivered by the Association of Canadian Community Colleges to deliver online

language training – Writing for the Workplace – to newcomers before arrival in

Canada.

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In an effort to help newcomers be more prepared to enter the job market when they

arrive, 15 people from China, India and the Philippines took part in a very successful

online pilot.

Selling Resources

HILC has always sought additional opportunities, both with and without funding, to

expand and improve service to newcomers by developing training materials This year

HILC set up a system for the selling of its resources. It has become clear that this is a

potential revenue generating opportunity and although it is still very small, we hope that

we can build on the successes of this year, when we sold over 200 copies of our

resources to organizations across the country and beyond.

Multi-Stakeholder Groups

HILC, continued to be a partner with MISA this year in promoting multi-stakeholder round

tables that bring stakeholders to work together on practical solutions to employment

integration for internationally educated professionals. It includes the opportunity to look

seriously at barriers, licensure issues, assessment, evaluation and bridging programs. This

collaborative approach is particularly relevant to the Nova Scotian context where

relationships and network building are critical and has made and is making real positive

changes for newcomers in the regulated professions in Nova Scotia. Groups are now

meeting for International Medical Graduates, Teachers, Medical Lab Technologists,

Truck Drivers, Trades People, Engineers and Pharmacists,

WINS Programs Graduation

The interest on the part of employers, regulatory bodies, professional associations and

other stakeholders was overwhelming this year and many potential partnerships were

born at these events where the accomplishments of newcomers were celebrated and

where the contributions of workplaces were acknowledged. There were two

graduations of the HILC WINS Programs in 2007-08, both of which were covered by a

wide range of media, including radio and TV, and were attended by the NS Minister of

Immigration, the Mayor of Halifax, representatives of the Nova Scotia Office of

Immigration and representatives of Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

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Distance Delivery

HILC continues to be a leader in the area of Distance Delivery and it became clear this

year that we need to focus in the coming year on rationalizing and formalizing the range

of online and distance programming available.

Registered Nurses Bridging Program

This year HILC partnered with the Registered Nurses Professional Development Centre to

provide English language support for the Registered Nurses Bridging Program. This is an

excellent example of the cooperation within the community, especially in the healthcare

sector, to address the needs of newcomers to the community. It is anticipated that this

collaborative partnership will be strengthened and become more formalized in the

coming year.

St Andrew’s

More space was added again this year. With the support of HRM, we were able to

acquire two much needed additional classrooms at St Andrew’s Community Centre on

Bayer’s Road. The classes that are currently delivered there are some of the higher levels

of the LINC Program.

Twenty years of making a positive difference in the lives of newcomers

HILC has had many successes and challenges in the past and in this 20th year of

operation, we remembered, we re-connected with old friends, we laughed at the

memories and we celebrated our accomplishments and our history. Every staff and

volunteer member at HILC has stories that have affected them and energized them to do

excellent work in situations that are sometimes challenging. They are always the personal

stories. This year, especially this year, we’d like to thank the newcomers who trust us

enough to share their stories and to allow us to play a small part in their lives.

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In 2007 Nova Scotia welcomed 2,520 newcomers to our communities. Some trends

that HILC staff has noticed in the past year include:

� Increased number of secondary migrants from other parts of Canada

� Significant increase in Provincial Nominee Program participants in all HILC programs

� Newcomers with a higher language level

� Newcomers with more profession and work related language needs

� Increased number of refugees from Africa and Middle East

� More single clients

� More clients who have few, if any, literacy skills in their first language

� More single parents with children under the age of 5

� More request for intensive and focused language training programs

� Increased request for language support post employment

� Increased interest in employers to support language learning of employees

� Increased sense of urgency and expectations with regard to language training

� Increased request for services outside HRM

� Increased demand for services in the evening and/or weekend

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AAnnnnuuaall SSttaattiissttiiccss 22000077--22000088

Year 2007/08

Total Number of Clients served

879

Top 5 Countries HILC Clients

Afghanistan

China

Iran

Korea

Egypt

Top 5 Professions HILC Clients

Healthcare

Engineer

Finance

Education

Management

Gender of HILC Clients

Male: 42%

Female: 58%

Immigration Class of HILC Clients

Immig. Class LINC LMLP EWP

Refugee 43% 4% 7%

Family 21% 21% 36%

Independent 4% 31% 24%

PNP 30% 25%

Other 2% 19%

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