Immigrant newcomers to the Comox Valley participated in Literacy Week recently by touring the Comox Air Force Museum to learn about the heritage and history of CFB Comox.

Immigrant families, and volunteers from the Immigrant Settlement Office, spent time looking at old photos, artwork, and listening to stories. Volunteers from the Military Museum are to be thanked for their time in sharing this special part of Canadian history.

Thursday afternoons from 1 to 3 is a weekly opportunity for new immigrants to the Comox Valley to drop in and learn about Canadian culture and local services. English-speaking volunteers are onsite to provide the opportunity to participate in discussions in a friendly, informal environment.

Managed by Dorica Skobalj, the Immigrant Settlement Office also provides information on topics such as health care, education and employment. Support is also provided for contacting government services.

Since early January, the Immigrant Settlement Office has been hosting classes from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. for adults studying to become Canadian citizens. Citizenship classes will continue to be held on Tuesdays for the month of February.

Any Permanent Resident or anyone interested in becoming a Canadian citizen in the future is welcome to attend.

For more information on any topic connected to immigration, call Dorica at 250-338-5583, or drop in at 1507B McPhee Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., or e-mail immigrantsettlement@telus.net.

The office, newly relocated on McPhee Avenue across from Courtenay Elementary, also recommends nearby ESL services. The Women’s Resource Centre offers the North Island College beginner class for new immigrants, taught by Noreen McCaffrey, Monday to Thursday from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.

A less formal tutoring and mentoring program, co-ordinated by Leslie Corra, is offered next door at the Adult Learning Centre by volunteer tutors.

All programs are offered at no cost.

— Immigrant

Settlement Office