Regional Connections' (RC) Language Program held an end-of-year celebration at Central Station on Thursday morning, taking time to recognize student accomplishments.
A celebration on many levels
RC Language Program Director Rhoda Keck said some students have just landed in Canada and came into the program not knowing any English, all the way up to those who are ready to enter college and university.
"So, huge differences and levels, but when they come together, they have this shared experience of working hard and understand each other in the process of learning. And learning, not just a language, but a new culture, new foods, a new place to live, and so it is really a unifier. This is a time when we all come together and celebrate all of that."
Students created the program
In addition to receiving certificates for levels passed, students put on the program.
"They wrote lyrics to the songs about learning English. They talked about Canada and how awesome it's been for them. They thanked their teachers, they thanked the program, they thanked the Government of Canada for allowing them to come in, and that's all them. They wrote that themselves. They decided that's what they wanted to say. So, it's really special because it's true and meaningful for them."
Encouragement to stay in school
Co-Valedictorian Tina Neufeld gave a message to her class. She hopes to get her grade 12 one day.
"I couldn't go to school when I was younger, and that's why I said I keep encouraging people like my kids. I have 5 kids, and they all actually graduated from high school except one, and they're all going to college. So, I said make sure that you have a brighter future than I did, and that's why I'm doing this, so that I can help them and encourage them to stay in school."
Neufeld agreed that this is a second chance for her and acknowledged that there is always hope for her, even though she is older.
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Don't be embarrassed to go
Co-Valedictorian Susana Harms encouraged others to join classes, no matter how old they are.
"I always thought I was so embarrassed I didn't need to learn because I had my kids, and when my kids are growing up and I know they won't be always there to read and write it for me, whatever I need, and I am so thankful. Now, if I get a message, I can read it myself, and I have a lot to learn about. I'm so thankful that I did it. There are amazing teachers, I made new friends, and it's a very good place to go to."
It's an emotional day
Keck said the morning is filled with a variety of emotions.
"So much emotion. It's so exciting and there is a bit of tears because for some of them, they've finished the program. They move on. For me, some of them I've seen for years and years, and they're moving on, and so it becomes a bit of a family. (It's) certainly a really connected community and it's just fantastic."
Register for next year
This year, 1100 students were enrolled in the program, with many on waitlists. Registration for the 2025-26 Language Program is Aug. 25 in Winkler, Aug. 26 in Morden, and Aug. 27th in Altona.
