When six temporary foreign workers from Guatemala arrived in Medicine Hat, they brought with them determination, resilience, and a desire to learn. Thanks to a collaborative community effort, they’re now getting the support they need to build their English skills and settle more comfortably into life in Canada.
In partnership with Immigrant Services Calgary and the Medicine Hat Local Immigration Partnership (MHLIP), our Brooks and County Immigration Services (BCIS) Medicine Hat office helped these workers take a big step forward by providing three donated, refurbished laptops. With these laptops, the group can study English in their spare time, deepening both their language skills and their understanding of Canadian culture.
But learning doesn’t stop at home. Each week, these dedicated individuals attend in-person English classes at the BCIS Medicine Hat office, guided by passionate staff and volunteers who know just how important language is for building confidence, finding work, and connecting with the community. These classes go beyond grammar and vocabulary-they’re about creating a sense of belonging and opening doors to new opportunities.
This initiative would not have been possible without the generosity of local partners. Medicine Hat School District 76 provided the laptops, while the Calgary Language and Assessment Referral Centre (CLARC) offered valuable language resources. Community members helped identify and support the workers, showing what’s possible when people come together to welcome newcomers.
At CCIS, we believe that every newcomer deserves the chance to learn, grow, and feel at home. This project is a small but meaningful example of how community care can change lives-one class, one conversation, and one connection at a time.
Want to learn how our Medicine Hat office is making a difference for newcomers, visit: https://ccisab.ca/medicine-hat/
