Blaine Melnik sent word that his school would be happy to offer English classes toUkrainian refugeesmoving to new lives in Kelowna. The attention of a few people who thought he would be offended.
He underestimated the attractiveness.
International Gateway Kelowna usage of English lessons has grown more than twice as high as his initial eight free spots. , the class roster is ready to expand further.
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Safe It's a shelter, or a place where you can meet other new Ukrainians," Melnyk said, and it was a lot of fun for everyone involved. People are using this school as one of their first destinations to build a new life.
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"I had a family, came to Seattle, arrived in Kelowna on Friday, and came to school on Monday." he said.
Doorstep The people arriving at the are of varying ages and levels of English.They arrived at the door with three generations of the same family, plus children and the elderly. Some had no idea. But everyone is eager to start.
"Banker, graphic he's a designer, photographer, landscape he's talking to a designer," he said.
"Across the board, professionals of all kinds are looking for English....they are well positioned to integrate quickly into the community and are very positive.
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"The work ethic you see and their desire to improve....will have a positive impact on Canada. Heartwarming."
} Stefania Miroshnychenko is one of 19 new Ukrainian students studying English at the International Gateway Language Academy and College in Kelowna. She is a former graphic designer from Ukraine.
"It's a great opportunity for her to learn English and improve her own English," said her Miroshnychenko. "She was at the end of May before coming to Canada. She spoke very little English."
In a similar position is her Iiona Vashchuk.
"We are both photographers and videographers, so we have to know English to communicate with people. That's my job," Vashchuk said. Told.
"We want to live here and start a business here, so we need to know English."
Read more: Ukrainian Refugees Mother and Daughter Arrive in Okanagan
That's a good question, but Melnyk said there are some challenges. Most often it is in the area of expenses.
To meet the needs of the burgeoning Ukrainian population, schools need to hire new teachers and want to secure corporate sponsorships to do so.
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"We want to cater to them," he said Melnyk.
Individuals or businesses interested in helping should email blaine@igcanada.com or call Melnyk at 236-795-7193.
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