Conversation program helps newcomers network in Saskatoon

A weekly event at Saskatoon's Global Gathering Place is gaining traction for newcomers to network and practice their English.

"Every Thursday afternoon, we have a program called Coffee and Conversation where we have many newcomers to Canada coming and practicing their speaking and listening with our Canadian volunteers," said Afton Tolley, program manager at the Global Gathering Place.

The program brings out dozens of people from diverse backgrounds every week,and according to Tolley, it works as a good way for people to meet each other.

Javaid Iqbalbegan attending the event every Thursday shortly after his arrival to Saskatoon two and a half years ago. He was sponsored from Pakistan by his daughter who has been living in the Bridge City for the past 15 years.

"I want to learn and talk to these people and help them in any possible way because I have been a teacher and visiting professor in my country so it's a very nice experience for me to come over here and listen to different people," he explained.

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Tolley said besides working as a networking tool, the programalso allows for newcomersto learn from the Canadian volunteers about what's happening in theircommunitiesand to talk about Canadian culture.

"When moving to a new country, it can be quite lonely" Tolley added. "Especially in those early months where people are trying to improve their language skills before they maybe gain some employment."