A generous donation from the Fortis Community Matters Program will provide newcomer families in St. John’s with technology to help facilitate their access to on-line English as a Second Language (ESL) programming.

“Technology is critical to ensuring we stay connected during the pandemic,” said Barry Perry, President and CEO, Fortis Inc. “We are happy to provide support to the Association for New Canadians for their client technology needs and we thank them for all they do to welcome New Canadians and ease their transition into our Province.”

While students normally attend full-time on-site ESL training, when the Association moved to remote/virtual delivery methods to help maintain access to key ESL programming, some students were unable to fully participate.

“Many newcomer families do not have access to a home computer and while the instructional staff have done an extraordinary job in adapting language programming to support those without technology, many learners could not access the full scope of online ESL training offered by the ANC.” said ANC Executive Director Megan Morris.

The technology and connectivity supports from Fortis will also help clients access ANC programs designed to maintain important social connections and reduce social isolation.

“The ANC is very grateful to Fortis for this very generous donation,” said Morris.