Masih Sabet has helped over 1,000 newcomers learn English for free. Sabet holds two classes every week in the party room of the Mino Club Cafe in Richmond, B.C.

Every Tuesday and Saturday, the cafe, which is usually a restaurant and children’s play area, welcomes students, mostly newcomers, who want to improve their English skills. Masih Sabet has been holding classes since 2017 and has helped over 1,000 students for free.

His program is called the “English Friendship Corner” because it not only teaches English but also helps newcomers make friends and overcome isolation as they settle into life in Canada. Ever since the federal government reduced funding for English programs for new permanent residents and refugees, Sabet’s free classes have become even more important. The funding cuts are part of a planned $234 million reduction in settlement service funding between 2024 and 2027, following lower immigration targets.

Masih Sabet, who is also an immigrant, says his free classes give newcomers a place to meet others, make friends, and overcome feelings of loneliness and isolation while learning a common language. One of his students, Meice Xu, says learning English has made everyday tasks like visiting the doctor, shopping, and helping others much easier. Sabet takes pride in his students’ success stories, as he believes learning English not only changes lives but also inspires people to give back to their communities.

Source: Steven Chua, CBC