Annual Report

2008-2009

2

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements 3

HILC Core Values 3

Joint Chair and Executive Director’s message 4

20th Anniversary 5

LINC and Community Language Programs 7

Family Learning Program 8

Transition Language Program 8

Work Start Program 8

Inclusive Language Program 8

Child Learning Centre 9

WINS (Work in Nova Scotia) 10

EWP ( English in the Workplace) 11

EWP Distance Delivery 12

Evening Classes 12

LML (Labour Market Language Program) 13

LML Distance Delivery 15

Internationally Educated Teacher’s TESL Program 15

Resource Development 16

Volunteers 17

Professional Development 18

Regional & National Initiatives 18

A Look at the Numbers for 2008-09 19

Highlights, partnerships and special projects 20

HILC Staff 24

Client Profile 25

Auditor’s Report 26

3

Acknowledgements

HILC gratefully acknowledges its funding partners:

Citizenship and Immigration Canada

Nova Scotia Office of Immigration

Health Canada

Nova Scotia Department of Labour and Workforce Development

HRSDC Workplace Skills Initiative

HRSDC Office of Literacy and Essential Skills

Family Learning Initiative Endowment Fund

Adult Learning Knowledge Centre, Canadian Council on Learning

HILC Core Values

Access

Inclusion

Client empowerment

User-defined services

Holistic approach

Respect for the individual

Cultural sensitivity

Collaboration

Accountability

HILC Board of Directors

2008-2009

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/Ellen Pilon

Executive Director – Gerry Mills

HILC’s core values are integrated into our daily interactions

and form the culture in which we operate. They are the

fundamental principles, that operate across the organization at

every level. We use them as our guidepost for our actions and

decisions and each member of staff plays an important role in

modeling the core values and in keeping them front and center in everything we do.

4

Joint Chair and Executive Director’s Message

2008-09 was certainly an exciting and pivotal year in the history of HILC. It was

a year of growth and change and a year of celebration. This year HILC

implemented a number of new programs. We also initiated new partnerships

with many different stakeholders – with regulatory bodies, educational

institutions, funders and partners - all with the purpose of helping newcomers

to successfully settle in our community.

This year we also enhanced our capacity to provide services, a 53% growth in

staff from 34 to 52 and relocated seventeen members of HILC staff into

another location with some MISA colleagues to set up the Work in Nova Scotia

(WINS) site. The result is that HILC is stronger than ever, focusing on the

expertise in serving newcomers, through new and established programs and

initiatives and engaging actively with our many stakeholders.

In terms of celebration, in 2008, the organization’s 20 year history of developing

and delivering programs to support the language needs of newcomers was

celebrated and it culminated in one sunny memorable morning on October

3rd, 2008 at Pier 21 when over 300 people, including Her Honour, The

Honourable Mayann E. Francis, ONS, DHuml, Lieutenant Governor of Nova

Scotia and The Honourable Len Goucher, Minister of Immigration came to

recognize HILC’s achievements and to share many memories – a time to

remember and a time to rejoice.

The writing of the annual report message is a great marker of time and

progress, and gives us occasion to look around us to recognize and

appreciate the efforts of the many individuals who make our work possible.

We would like to particularly thank the staff members of HILC who infuse their

passion and expertise into the organization and into the lives of our clients -

every day. We are also incredibly fortunate to have a committed group of

volunteers, who help out in a multitude of ways from direct service to the

governance of the organization - and in this regard we would like to

particularly thank our Board of Directors for their guidance and insight. This

year we lose a most valuable member of the HILC board - Norma Oyler, who

has volunteered with the organization in different capacities for 17 years. The

contribution Norma has made over her 17 years of dedicated volunteer

service is symbolic of a founding strength of HILC. This strength has passed from

volunteers such as Norma to the rapidly growing staff of HILC and its partner

MISA.

Finally thank you to the many newcomers who continue to place their trust in

all of us at HILC to help them to settle. Thank you for having chosen Nova

Scotia as your new home; by doing so you have enriched our lives.

HILC 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

5

20th Anniversary

In 2008-09 HILC celebrated 20 years of service to the immigrant community. HILC

began as English Unlimited in September, 1988 with a vision for a place where

immigrants and refugees and their children could learn English together in a safe

and professional environment. It would be a place where they could learn the

skills that they needed to reach their goals and contribute as members of the

community. In the fall of 1988, funding was confirmed by Canada Employment

and Immigration Commission and the first Settlement Language Training

Program in Nova Scotia opened its doors to immigrants and their pre-school

children in the spring of 1989.

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

grow, restructure and develop to meet those needs. This year we looked back

with pride at HILC’s accomplishments and the recognition that the organization

has attained, both within Nova Scotia and across the country, as a leader in

developing and delivering services to newcomers. HILC now delivers language

training to over 900 clients a year. Since 1988, over 9,000 newcomers to Nova

Scotia have benefited from HILC’s language and skill development programs,

made possible through the commitment of HILC’s staff, board members,

volunteers, partners and funders, in particular Citizenship and Immigration

Canada, who 20 years ago, trusted that HILC’s vision could be realized.

On October 3rd, 2008 at Pier 21 in Halifax over 300 people celebrated HILC’s 20th

anniversary. At the event, which was attended by clients, staff, partners, funders,

government representatives, family members and friends, a slideshow was

presented with pictures from the last 20 years and 3 people who have been with

HILC for many years were acknowledged.

- Thuy Truong who has been with the organization for 17 years, who has

welcomed over 400 newcomer children into HILC’s Child Care Centre, and who

now sees 18 year olds in the street who still remember her.

- Norma Oyler, who volunteered with the organization in different capacities for

17 years and resigned in 2009.

- Kathy Burnett who started the organization and who has put her heart, her soul,

her weekends, and her many, many talents into creating and building HILC.

The 20th anniversary event was a huge success and provided a moment in time

to reflect on HILC’s past and to look to the future.

6

N

S

EW

In 2008-09 clients came from these countries:In 2008-09 clients came from these countries:In 2008-09 clients came from these countries:In 2008-09 clients came from these countries:

Afghanistan

EcuadorCubaCosta RicaCongoColombia

ChinaCameroonBurundiBosniaBelarus

BangladeshAzerbaijanArmenia

PakistanPalestine

LebanonKyrgyzstan

KuwaitKosovoKoreaJordanJapanIraq

IranIndiaHungaryHong KongGuatemala

GambiaFranceEthiopiaEritreaEgypt

Nepal NigeriaMexico

LithuaniaLibyaLiberia

Serbia

Saudi Arabia

Senegal

RwandaRussiaPolandPhilippines

Peru

Sierra Leone SomaliaSingapore

Uzbekistan

Syria TaiwanSudanSri Lanka

UkraineUganda

TurkmenistanTurkeyTunisiaTogoTanzania

Tajikistan

Venezuela

7

35%

LINC and Community Language Programs

The Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) Program at HILC provides

newcomers with the opportunity to learn English in a safe and respectful environment.

As clients move through the levels, they build confidence and language skills that can

be applied at home, work and in the community. Newcomers also assimilate new

learning strategies and life skills that promote independent learning and more successful

integration. As well, Canadian customs and culture are woven through the curriculum,

to help clients understand and navigate their new home.

This year the LINC Program has:

� Delivered English language training on site and off-site to 320 clients

� Provided educational activities to 51 children in the Child Learning Centre

� Received the benefit of 57 volunteers and 4 medical students

� Developed and implemented a Work Start Program

� Developed and implemented a Transition Language Program

� Implemented an Advanced Literacy Program

� Incorporated two flexible classes

In February, LINC implemented an Advanced Literacy Program to help clients transition

from the literacy programs to LINC 1 and to build on the foundational skills acquired in

the literacy programs and Family Learning Program. There are currently four literacy

classes as part of the LINC Program.

The LINC Program at HILC continued to offer a summer program this year. The program

focused on a communicative approach with as many opportunities as possible given to

clients to interact in authentic situations. Along with in-class instruction, instructors

planned many field trips in the community. The computer lab helped learners to

research and prepare for these experiential outings.

In March, LINC clients attended the Multicultural Health and Wellness Fair. Over 100

people from different service provider organizations in HRM set up booths and delivered

workshops and demonstrations. With the help of volunteers and interpreters, clients were

able to obtain vital health care information and meet health care professionals in

person.

The celebration of holidays continues to be a staple of the LINC program. Clients look

forward to the opportunity to gather together and enjoy the conversations, activities

and food. Guest speakers and field trips are also a central part of the LINC program.

One of the more popular field trips is the City Bus Tour for newcomers who have been in

HRM for less than 6 months. This tour meanders through the city, showing clients key

location and stops frequently, allowing a chance to tour places and meet people.

All LINC classes, including the literacy programs were able to increase the frequency of

visits to the computer lab this year. Learners love the time in the lab to reinforce their

language learning, while learning practical computer skills. Clients can also attend

computer classes in Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Intro to Computers and Keyboarding/E-

mail/Internet in addition to computer time in the LINC Program.

8

Family Learning Program

Families continue to benefit from the Family Learning Program where interaction

between parents and children are a regular part of the class. Parents take home the

stories they have written, the songs and rhymes they have practiced and the games

they have learned. In this program, newcomer parents are empowered to help teach

their children literacy and language skills. The Fairview Family Resource Centre, where

the classes are held, has also identified benefits of having the Family Learning

Program in its location. Since the program began, there has been an increase in the

number of newcomers in the area to visit and partake in the Family Resource Centre

programs and we sincerely thank the Fairview Family Resource Centre for partnering

with HILC in this very special program.

Transition Language Program

This year HILC implemented the Transition Language Program to help clients, who may

be suffering from the effects of trauma, to learn in smaller group settings with shorter

hours and more frequent breaks. The program is led by an instructor with experience

and knowledge of the specific needs this group may have. The goal of the program is

for clients to eventually transition back into the regular LINC program.

In September, two Transition Language classes began; one morning class for literacy

and level 1 clients and an afternoon class for levels 2 and 3. The instructor conducts

individual interviews before the clients enter the program, to ensure that clients fully

understand the goal of the program. The class has been running for eight months and

the outcomes and the client feedback have been excellent.

Work Start Program

The Work Start Program is a focused language training program for clients between

levels 2 and 4 who are currently looking for work or who are in part-time survival jobs

looking for better opportunities. The course, which is delivered in partnership with the

Employment Services Unit of MISA, covers 8 language training modules: Job

Preparation, Resume Building, Interview Practice, Workplace Communication,

Workplace Safety, Employee Rights and Life Long Learning. Clients report that they

have more confidence to apply for work, are more prepared for interview questions

and have a better understanding of how a work place operates in Canada.

Inclusive Language Program

The Inclusive Language Program, which opened its doors in March 2009, is an

important new program that responds to the language learning needs of immigrants,

including citizens who are seeking work, but whose language still needs substantial

development.

9

Child Learning Centre

The three Early Childhood Educators continued to provide excellent care and attention

while cultivating language and developmental skills through stories, games and play to the

children of parents and care-givers attending LINC classes this year. They were kept very

active with full classes of children ranging in ages from 6 months to 5 years.

LINC also uses the Bayers-Westwood Day-Care. This day-care was chosen for its strategic

location near St. Andrews and in the heart of where many clients reside. Clients attending

the two classes in the morning at St. Andrews Community Centre can utilize this service.

Two of the staff in the Child Learning Centre participated in the National Child Minding

Conference in Toronto in November. They returned with many materials and information

that were later used in presentations at in-services.

The centre acquired a number of books, games and developmental materials this year. It is

always exciting for staff and children to get the new supplies.

Parent-teacher interviews are held twice a year. Through interpreters, staff gives a thorough

account of the children’s progress and discusses any issues or concerns. Apart from these

interviews, staff is continually communicating and updating parents on the development of

their children.

10

HILC’s partner in WINS

Work in Nova Scotia (WINS)

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 Pronunciation for Work, Intercultural

Communication, Writing Clinics, TOEFL Preparation, TESL Training Program for Internationally

Educated Teachers, Language for Job Search, Online Customer Service Language Program,

Bridge to Nursing and Distance English in the Workplace contributed to the growth of the

WINS Services provided by HILC.

11

English in the Workplace

In 2008-09 English in the Workplace delivered 41 training programs to 87 learners. Fifteen

established employers used our services again this year. Instructors delivered training to

large employers such as Convergys, Keane Canada, and Saint Mary’s University and to

smaller and medium sized employers such as Yohanna Variety Store and ABM

Integrated Solutions, as well as immigrant businesses such as Dragon Buffet King.

In addition to our established employers, training was delivered to 14 new employers this

year. These new employers included larger workplaces such as Shannex Arbourstone

Enhanced Care, Northwood Homecare Ltd. and TD Canada Trust, and small and

medium sized workplaces as CGI, St. Joseph’s College of Early Childhood Education,

and Alexandra Children’s Centre. English in the Workplace also provided language

support to 5 immigrant businesses including Hua Li Acupuncture and H & N Training.

In July EWP had a joint recognition and graduation event for students, employers and

partners from the English in the Workplace and Labour Market Language Programs. The

first ever Champion of the English in the Workplace Award was given to the Prince

George Hotel for their long-term partnership with the EWP program. In March, the first

English in the Workplace Employer Recognition Event was held with nine employers

attending and with Keane Canada receiving the Champion of the English in the

Workplace award.

This year, as part of the Work in Nova Scotia Team, English in the Workplace has been

working closely with MISA’s Employer Engager and Workplace Culture Coordinator to

promote English in the Workplace and provide services to employers. As part of this

growth in WINS, an Employer Advisory Committee has been initiated, where employers

can provide advice on programming.

Because of continuing increase in demand, we have hired an additional EWP instructor, making a total of 3 full time instructors and a manager.

“I am very happy because my teacher has given me a lots of help with my

business and my English.”

EWP Graduate and business owner

12

EWP Distance Delivery

English in the Workplace has continued 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 Adobe Connect Pro, the

instructor creates a live face to face training session, with speaking and listening activities,

as well as interactive exercises and written assignments.

This year, funding was received to develop online modules to be used in the distance

training. A new position of distance instructor/developer was established and the staff

person is currently developing and piloting the training modules.

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 class. The classes operate on a continuous intake basis that is

flexible and responds to the needs of the learners.

The demand for evening classes has continued. This year the Evening Class Program

provided language training to 55 clients.

Evening Classes

13

Labour Market Language Programs

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

and respond to the labor market language needs of newcomers in Nova Scotia. 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. This year 294 individual clients have benefited from HILC’s

Labour Market Language Programs, with many participating in more than one

program.

Labour Market Language Programs and Clients April 1, 2008 –

March 31, 2009

Intercultural Communication 44

English for Engineers 20

English for Financial Purposes 18

Writing for the Workplace Pilot 46

TOEFL Preparation 29

Language Learning Strategies 14

ESL Videoconference 18

Language for Job Search 20

English for Healthcare Professionals 19

Bridge to Nursing (RNPDC) 9

Customer Service Online Pilot 6

Writing Clinics 11

English for Work and Business 38

Computer Training 68

Professional Series 115

Pronunciation for Work 50

Total 525

This year, HILC’s Labour Market Language Programs identified and implemented

intercultural communication as a foundational skill to promote more successful

communication in the workplace. Clients have the opportunity to explore and identify

cultural values and beliefs, and look at how those beliefs translate into communication.

14

Pronunciation and fluency classes have also been successful new components to the

Labour Market Language Programs. Clients explore basic and advanced speech

patterns of English language, such as stress, intonation, rhythm and individual sounds.

The pronunciation and fluency opportunities offer opportunities to build self-confidence

when speaking and listening to English.

Writing Clinics in response to clients’ workplace writing needs have also been

introduced and in addition to these classes, HILC also provides individual appointments

to discuss client language challenges and to provide answers, resources and strategies.

This year HILC offered two TOEFL preparation classes to address the increasing need of

newcomer professionals to provide TOEFL scores to show their level of English

proficiency. This is often in response to a professional regulatory body or for entrance to

further education opportunities.

Language for Job Search was a new element to the Labour Market Language

programs this year. Language for Job Search provides the language support needed to

be more successful in the job search process. This is becoming an integrated

component of MISA’s New Beginnings classroom workshops. Working collaboratively,

workshop facilitators and a language instructor provide the tools and practice

necessary to conduct a successful job search.

The IEHP community component continues to be a highlight in the Labour Market

Language Programs. As an integral part of the English for Healthcare Professionals class,

the community component provides clients with opportunities 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.

The ongoing delivery and refining of Writing for the Workplace Online, continues to

respond 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. The popularity of this program continues to grow with clients as well as growing interest from other service providers.

“The sessions we have had in the past six months have been very useful to me

not only professionally but also in my everyday life adjusting and mixing in my

new country. You have been very supportive and helpful!”

–LMLP client

15

LMLP Distance Delivery

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, Bridgewater and Halifax gather every

Tuesday and Thursday evenings to focus on 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. Several researchers from across Canada have visited HILC’s

Videoconferencing class this year to assess the viability of recreating the delivery mode

in other smaller centers in Canada. Users for HILC’s online courses have more than

doubled in the past year and there are currently 228 online users.

HILC staff continues to make connections with leaders in smaller communities around

Nova Scotia, including the Immigration Navigators throughout the province.

This year a new online course was developed, piloted. Customer Service at Work is a six

week online class that looks at the language used in customer service. The course

covers an introduction to customer service, elements of good customer service,

challenges in customer service and focuses on good communication skills. Other online

activities continue to be popular and have been used by other settlement agencies in

Atlantic Canada.

This year, in collaboration with the International Language Institute, HILC piloted the

Internationally Educated Teachers TESL Training Program. This program provided training

and experience to 6 internationally educated teachers, who did not have the

certification necessary to integrate into the public school system to become adult ESL

instructors. The training provided was the Certificate in English Language Teaching to

Adults (CELTA) followed by eight weeks of supervised work placement at adult ESL

schools in the community. Although at the date of writing this report, the placement

was not over, 5 of the 6 participants have already been offered ESL teaching positions.

Internationally Educated Teachers’ TESL Program

16

Resource Development

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 2003 have been downloaded over 275,349 times and “Hands On”, a

Resource for ESL Literacy has been downloaded 47,419 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.

Resources developed this year:

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

Nova Scotia. An updated version was developed and printed in February 2009.

• Customer Service at Work: a six week online class that looks at the language used in

customer service. The course covers an introduction to customer service, elements

of good customer service, challenges in customer service and focuses on

good communication skills.

• Online English in the Workplace training modules: A series of modules developed for

online instruction on general topics that can be applied across a variety of different

workplaces and still be customized to the needs of the individual learners.

• 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.

• Going the Distance: A Framework for Providing Distance Services in Nova Scotia:

includes guiding principle, processes and structure that contribute to the effective

distance delivery of newcomer services in Nova Scotia

• Online Writing Class: an online workshop focused on developing writing skills for

professionals level 6 to 8.

• 20 Tips for Learning English: to celebrate HILC’s 20th anniversary a bookmark with 20

Tips for Learning English was developed and distributed widely.

17

.

Volunteers

HILC would like to thank the 70+ volunteers who have committed not only 26,312 hours

but their considerable expertise to the organization and its clients over the past year.

This contribution is equivalent to around $657,800. Without these individuals, the

programs would not run as smoothly or be as effective. A sincere thank you to all the

hard-working volunteers in 2008-2009 from staff and clients!

“The meaning of volunteering for me is giving a warm heart and sharing time and

feelings with people who need help from others. Through volunteering, I feel like I have

become a better person who understands people more. I have confidence that I can

help people. Every student in TLP has a different background and circumstance. I think

this program is exactly what they need”.

Volunteer in Transition Language Program

Along with appreciating volunteers as part of the annual Christmas party, two joint

MISA-HILC Volunteer Appreciation Events were organized: one was held in May, 2008

and another in March, 2009. In each event, volunteers were honored with recognition,

speeches and a keepsake. At these events many staff and volunteers have the

opportunity to get to know each other better.

“I would have to say the best thing about helping people to learn English is the moment

when you see the look of understanding on their faces. You can be working on a

concept with someone for a while, and it can be challenging, but when you see

someone’s face light up in that “Eureka!” moment, it all comes full circle”

Volunteer in the Literacy Program

This year 3 medical students chose HILC as part of their mandatory community

volunteer placement. Two volunteers were placed with instructors in the LINC Program

and one with an instructor in the Labor Market Language Program. The volunteers

delivered presentations on relevant topics during the health theme to many LINC

classes. The volunteers expressed a real appreciation for the experience and reported

that it was a very positive learning opportunity for them.

In addition, to providing support to ESL teachers in the classroom, volunteers have

ensured effective governance, shared their professional knowledge and advice with

clients and contributed to the success of the programs. We thank each and every one

of them.

18

Professional Development

Professional development is a dynamic entity that is seen as a vital instrument in

pedagogical, emotional and personal development. Some of the professional

development for HILC staff this year involved training around Post Traumatic Stress

Disorder, using Canadian Language Benchmarks in assessing language skills and the new

resource, Through the Lens.

As a second part to the Anti-Racism Initiative project, ten workshops were delivered to

staff and volunteers of immigrant serving agencies in the use of Through the Lens. It is

important to HILC to ensure that instructors, staff and volunteers utilize this resource in a

responsible way with clients. Steve Law was hired to develop the workshops and present

them in HRM. Over 150 instructors, staff and volunteers were trained in using Through the

Lens in 2008-2009. The feedback from the training workshops and resource book has been

incredibly positive and strongly indicates that staff sees the value in having more

opportunities to be involved in anti-racism training in the future.

Many of our staff participated also in a First Aid Training Course provided by Saint John

Ambulance. It is HILC’s intention to repeat this course for new groups of staff and have

refresher courses in the future.

HILC staff participated in various conferences and workshops throughout this year

including the National Canada TESL Conference in May, the ARAISA Conference in

October and the Learning Needs of Adult Immigrants in Atlantic Canada-AdLKC

Symposium in June 08, amongst others.

Regional and National Initiatives

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 (TESL Nova Scotia)

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

� Metro Council on Continuing Education

� Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks

� LINC Working Group

Multi-stakeholder working groups for internationally educated/trained:

� Teachers

� Engineers

� Pharmacists

� Physicians

� Medical Lab Technologists

� Trades Professionals

� Lawyers

� Truck Drivers

19

A Look at the Numbers for 2008-09

16 % clients were from China, 14 % from Iran, 4% from Taiwan

55 % of HILC’s clients were women

80 countries of origin of HILC clients

271 years of ESL teaching experience in HILC’s instructors

932 clients received language training, 224 registered online

18,039 downloads of HILC’s Practice English on Your Own

90,589 downloads of HILC’s ESL Computers Books

233,599 hours of language training

2,633,20 hits on the website

20

Highlights, Partnerships and Special Projects

Partnership with MISA

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

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 Nova Scotia. The six years of this enormously successful partnership and the

potential for future growth and sustainability have led both MISA and HILC boards to

pass motions on intent to merge in the fall of 2009. This is an extremely exciting move for

all at HILC and will provide the opportunity for the creation and delivery of integrated

and continuum of services under a unified vision that is consistent with operational

processes and aligned to provincial and federal immigration priorities.

Canadian Council on Learning

This year, HILC has been involved with the Adult Learning Knowledge Centre (AdLKC),

created by the Canadian Council on Learning. In 2007, HILC conducted research for

the AdLKC on the learning needs of adult immigrants in Atlantic Canada Since then,

HILC has been active on the Community Connections working group, with the role of

speaking to the needs of immigrant adult learners. In June 2008, the findings of HILC’s

research was reported at AdLKC’s national symposium in St. John’s Newfoundland; In

addition, a group of stakeholders including HILC, MISA, the Nova Scotia Office of

Immigration and the Metro Council on Continuing Education organized a forum aimed

at informing service providers to facilitate a welcoming community for immigrants. This

forum was attended by 140 people from community organizations including

educational institutions, government services, the library system, and churches.

Fee for Service

HILC continues to be challenged with the issue of fee for services as more educational

institutions, ESL providers and settlement organizations request use of its resources. This is

clearly a potential revenue generating opportunity and HILC hopes to be able to

capitalize on this in the coming year.

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.

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WINS Program Recognition Events

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

other stakeholders continued to increase this year and many potential partnerships

were born at the WINS Program Recognition events where the accomplishments of

newcomers were celebrated and where the contributions of workplaces were

acknowledged. There were three events held in 2008-09, which were covered by a

wide range of media and were attended by the NS Minister of Immigration, the Mayor

of Halifax and representatives from the Nova Scotia Department Labour and

Workforce Development, the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration and Citizenship and

Immigration Canada.

Database

Following on from one space, one entrance and one website, this year MISA and HILC

proceeded ever more to a full merger by developing a joint database. CATS (Client

Activity Tracking System) will maintain accurate and accessible information and track

client service delivery and outcomes. This is a project that is long overdue and staff

are very much looking forward to a system that is streamlined, provides them with the

information they need to better deliver services and the information that funders and

partners request.

Welcoming Communities Initiative

In February, 2009 Through the Lens, a resource to help facilitators to discuss issues of

racism and discrimination with newcomers to Canada, which was developed by

Blake Fisher, was recognized as an exemplary tool by the Federal Family of Agencies

and was showcased at a conference in Ottawa.

New Space

In September, 2008, due to severe overcrowding in the Chebucto Place site, thirty

MISA-HILC staff members, including fifteen HILC members moved into another site on

Joseph Howe Drive. The people who moved were part of the Work in Nova Scotia

(WINS) team that provides labour market integration services to newcomers.

Integrated Pre-Arrival Services Overseas (IPSO)

In early 2008 HILC partnered with the Canadian Immigration Integration Project,

delivered by the Association of Canadian Community Colleges to deliver online

language training to newcomers before arrival in Canada. This year HILC worked with

MISA and three other Ontario based organizations to present to tunders and to

develop a concept paper for the provision of an integrated suite of pre-arrival

services to newcomers in China, the Phillipines and India. The presentation and the

concept paper were warmly received by the funder and a full proposal has now

been developed and submitted. Work on this is expected to begin in the summer of

2009 and will establish HILC as the only deliverer of pre-landing language services in

Canada.

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Some personal highlights and successes from HILC’s instructors:

My student….

• got a teaching job in the public school system

• wrote his first letters on the line

• played the class bingo at home and her 3 year old daughter who comes with her

to HILC knew her alphabet better than her 5 year old son who is at school.

• got his driver’s license – finally

• went alone to get her library card after learning how to do it in class

• ordered coffee, received the coffee, paid for it and received the right change

and then excitedly told the story about her Tim Hortons visit to her class mates

• passed his Engineers Nova Scotia exam.

• was promoted to restaurant chef of Gio at the Prince George Hotel.

• now knows what his customers mean when they say “Hey buddy! How’s it goin’?”

• understood what his co-worker said when he said that he “put his foot in his mouth”.

• opened two businesses within one year of coming to Canada.

• gave a successful 20 minute presentation to his peers.

• confidently gave her opinion for the first time during a staff meeting.

• made and presented a successful PowerPoint presentation for the first time in his life.

• researched and wrote a report on his own and explained how he enjoyed the whole

writing process.

• is using emails a lot more and talks about her emailing experience with pride because

now people back home appreciate her good use of English.

• is not scared to answer phone calls any more and knows what to say.

• spoke more clearly and confidently at his job interviews.

• succeeded in getting the TOEFL score he needed for admission to a local university to

upgrade his dentistry skills for licensure.

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76 staff worked for HILC between 2008-2009 including:76 staff worked for HILC between 2008-2009 including:76 staff worked for HILC between 2008-2009 including:76 staff worked for HILC between 2008-2009 including:

Aleah Gustafson

Carol DerbyCarol MacAskill

Elizabeth GerrardElena Doljenkova

Carly Sorensen

Camilla VenezuelaBlake Fisher

Arleigh HoodAndrew Leverman

Beth Vye

Andrea Purchase

Amanda Marshall Alicia Daley

Ileana de la TejaIan Shepherd

Ellen PilonDonna McLean

Denise DelongCaroline Lodge

Hien Truong Huiling ZhuangGraziella Grbac Li Jin

Kelly Jordin

Malena Contreras

Kathy Burnett

Kate ElmsJulianna SherriffJayne Geldart

Janet Kane

Maria de la Paz Sen

Naheed AhmedMoonhei Gye

Roslyn Reddy

Sanja Pecelj

Rebecca Martin-Fraser

Parisa RadThuy Truong

Steven Crepeault

Shelly Wu

Melissa Taylor

Olga Sarycheva

Muhammad Nawaz

Shazia Nawaz

Sarah Sampara

Joseph Attya

Tomomi Harada

Nabiha Atallah

Hager Saleh

Tim Latter

Jelena Milosevic

Gerry Mills

Colleen MacKinnon

Nurudil Temel

Jenan Habbeb

Vanessa Sykes Sumaria Manzoor

Hon Ho LoTara Day

Anne Hanley

Zeina Issa

Jeremy Hunter

Saima Naseem

Darlene MacLeod

Alexander Crocker

Anne Grant

Anita Rai

Chris Churchill

Yalemeshet Weldegziabeher

Katherine GuittonShawn Deleu

Alexis PascualQing Chang

Colleen MacKinnon

Alexandra Niedzwiecka

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HILC Staff

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Client Profile

In 2008 Nova Scotia welcomed 2,651 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 interest in employers to support language learning of employees

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

� Increased request for online services.

� Increased number of clients with health issues

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Auditor’s Report

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