Language Training
and Childcare
Learn English
CIWA has taught English to immigrant women since 1982. It began with a small group of women meeting to practise together, and it has grown into classes across the city. Our classes are for women.
They move at a pace that fits your life. They are free.
It does not matter where you are starting from. Some women come to us reading English for the first time. Some are preparing for work. Some just want to talk with someone and feel less alone. There is a place here for all of them.
And if you have young children, bring them. Licensed childcare is provided while you study, so you can focus on your class, and your children can play, learn, and get ready for school.
English classes
Regular classes that build your English step by step. You will need a language assessment first, and we can help you arrange it.
LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada)
What it is: Structured English classes for women, covering listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Includes digital skills, guest speakers, and help finding community services.
Who it’s for: Adult women who are permanent residents or protected persons.
How it runs: Part-time or full-time. You can join through the year, as space allows.
Contact: languageclasses@ciwa.org
What you can gain:
- Speaking and listening skills for daily life
- Reading and writing skills
- Digital skills for work and daily life
- Help finding community services
- Confidence to use your English outside the classroom
Before you start: Book an English assessment at your local Language Assessment and Referral Centre, and ask for a referral form right after your assessment.
Apply: [Registration or intake form link, supplied by CIWA]
Learn more: Program flyer link, supplied by CIWA
Quote:
[No testimonial in the source. Add one, with consent, when available.]
Funded By
ELL (English Language Learning)
What it is: English classes built around themes and everyday life, with a focus on vocabulary and pronunciation. Includes digital skills and community information.
Who it’s for: Permanent residents, protected persons, and Canadian citizens.
How it runs: Part-time, in person. You can join through the year, as space allows.
Contact: languageclasses@ciwa.org
What you can gain:
- Vocabulary and pronunciation for everyday life
- Reading, writing, and conversation practice
- Digital skills
- Information about your community
Apply: [Registration or intake form link, supplied by CIWA]
Learn more: Program flyer link, supplied by CIWA
Quote:
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Funded By
Other ways to learn and practice
Not everyone learns best in a classroom, and not everyone is ready for one. These programs meet you where you are.
Pebbles in the Sand
What it is: Reading and writing for women who had little schooling. You learn English along with life skills, health information, parenting, and how to find help in your community. Includes one-on-one support and field trips.
Who it’s for: Immigrant women with fewer than seven years of education.
How it runs: Small groups, with personal support. Off-site childcare is provided.
Contact: [Program contact address, to be confirmed]
What you can gain:
- Learn to read and write, even if reading is new to you
- English along with life skills and health information
- Parenting and community information
- One-on-one support and field trips
- Dignity, confidence, and belonging alongside the learning
Apply: [Registration or intake form link, supplied by CIWA]
Learn more: Program flyer link, supplied by CIWA
Quote:
I was scared to talk. Now, I feel happy when I can say something in English and people understand me.
– A CIWA learner
Funded By
Everyday English for Seniors
What it is: English for daily life, built for older adults. Practise speaking and writing, learn about services for seniors, and go on field trips to use your English in real places.
Who it’s for: Immigrant seniors 55 and older. Open to women and men, including citizens, permanent residents, refugees, and refugee claimants.
How it runs: Online and in person, Monday to Friday. Morning classes 9:30 am to 12:00 pm, afternoon classes 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm.
Contact: ees@ciwa.org
What you can gain:
- Practise speaking and writing for everyday life
- Learn about services for seniors
- Field trips to use your English in real places
- Confidence to take part in your community
Apply: [Registration or intake form link, supplied by CIWA]
Learn more: Program flyer link, supplied by CIWA
Quote:
[No testimonial in the source. Add one, with consent, when available.]
Funded By
New Friends and Neighbourhood Groups
What it is: A friendly group where you practise English conversation, meet other women, and learn about your community. No pressure, no homework.
Who it’s for: Any immigrant or refugee woman.
How it runs: Drop in, no registration needed. Groups meet in person and online, across the city. Off-site childcare is provided.
Contact: newfriends@ciwa.org
What you can gain:
- Practise English conversation in a friendly group
- Meet other women and make friends
- Learn about life in Canada and your community
- Build confidence to speak
Apply: [Registration or intake form link, supplied by CIWA]
Learn more: [Program flyer link, supplied by CIWA]
Quote:
This group helps me speak English better. Before, I was shy to talk. Now, I have more friends and I feel happy. We talk about life in Canada and I learn many new things. I like to come every week. It is good place for me.
– A CIWA participant
Funded By
Support while you learn
The things that make it possible to come to class and keep going.
Childcare while you study
What it is: Licensed on-site childcare while you attend class. A safe, play-based space where your child learns, makes friends, and gets ready for school. Off-site childcare is also provided for Pebbles in the Sand and New Friends groups.
Who it’s for: Children of mothers attending CIWA language classes.
How it runs: Hours match your class schedule. Qualified childcare staff, with a care plan for each child.
Contact: sibylk@ciwa.org
What you can gain:
- Safe, licensed childcare while you study
- A play-based space where your child learns and makes friends
- School readiness for your child
- The freedom to focus on your class
Apply: [Registration or intake form link, supplied by CIWA]
Learn more: [Program flyer link, supplied by CIWA]
Quote:
[No testimonial in the source. Add one, with consent, when available.]
Funded By
Learner Support Services
What it is: Extra one-on-one help if you are finding your English class difficult. You work with a teacher on reading, writing, and learning strategies.
Who it’s for: Students in LINC and ESL programs. Open to women and men, including Canadian citizens.
How it runs: By referral from your LINC teacher, or contact us directly.
Contact: manpreetc@ciwa.org
What you can gain:
- One-on-one help with reading and writing
- Learning strategies to help you keep up in class
- Support to build confidence in your English
Apply: Referral form: https://forms.office.com/r/87QHwdUv3v
Learn more: Program flyer link, supplied by CIWA
Quote:
The teacher has helped me a lot with my reading. I can read and understand sentences. I can read aloud and do reading comprehension better, and answer questions.
– A CIWA learner
Funded By
New Friends and Neighbourhood Groups
What it is: A friendly group where you practise English conversation, meet other women, and learn about your community. No pressure, no homework.
Who it’s for: Any immigrant or refugee woman.
How it runs: Drop in, no registration needed. You sign up when you arrive. Groups meet in person and online. Off-site childcare is provided.
Contact: newfriends@ciwa.org
Apply: [Registration or intake form link, supplied by CIWA]
Funded By
Stories from our community:
Real stories from women in our employment programs..
Frequently Asked Questions
Are CIWA Settlement Services free?
Yes. All CIWA Settlement Services are provided free of charge to eligible newcomers and community members.
Who can access Settlement Services?
CIWA is a nonprofit organization that supports immigrant and refugee women, girls, and their families through a wide range of settlement, language, employment, and community programs.
Can I receive support in my own language?
CIWA is a nonprofit organization that supports immigrant and refugee women, girls, and their families through a wide range of settlement, language, employment, and community programs.
What kind of help can I receive?
CIWA is a nonprofit organization that supports immigrant and refugee women, girls, and their families through a wide range of settlement, language, employment, and community programs.
