About Us
The YWCA of Calgary empowers English as a Second Language learners with the skills they need to find work in our city.
History
In 1911, the YWCA of Calgary began offering English language assistance to immigrant women. By 1915, this assistance became the “English for Foreigners” program, our first community education program.
Today, we offer approximately 1,600 spaces in English classes per year, serving immigrants, Canadian citizens and international visitors.
Educational Philosophy
We believe that learners should be encouraged to develop their full potential. We use a communicative, learner-centred approach in which learners identify their own goals and collaborate with their instructors to set the themes and information to be studied.
Language needs are regularly assessed and learners are encouraged to participate in the class/program most suited to their level of English communication skills. The Canadian Language Benchmarks are used as a guideline for assessing the language skills of our clients.
We offer instruction in English language skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing, grammar, pronunciation, & vocabulary building) as well as classes in Pronunciation and Fluency, Social Conversation, Cross-Cultural Communication, Canadian Workplace Culture and Workplace English.