National Adult Literacy Database

January 7, 2002

The following story was written by a student from Fort Erie, Ontario. Fawzi Jasim is originally from Bahrain and came to Canada in May 1997. He came here hoping to further his education. He loves to volunteer in the community and has won awards for doing this. He feels helping others helps him to have a good life. He is also a very good chef and loves to cook for all of us here and for different multicultural events he attends. He appreciates this community and is committed to give back to the best of his ability. His goal for the future is to write a book for refugees and Multiculturalism and to use his talents to better the community.

Important skills need for new students and refugees in Canada

by Fawzi Jasim

My name is Fawzi Jasim. I am originally from Bahrain. I came to Canada on May 17, 1997 and have been a resident of Fort Erie. I came to Canada because I want to further my education. I am also planning to write a book for new immigrants, students, and refugees coming to Canada.

It is good to hear about newcomers to Canada. They want to settle down and build a new home and future. Newcomers share their lifestyles and cultures with Canadians and other nationalities. There are many opportunities in Canada for all races from around the world. For refugees it gives a future and freedom with peace and joy, and Canada gives this hope. Refugees from other countries share their knowledge and skills to build a multi-culture for many generations to come. Today we learn from Canadians. We are learning the language and business skills to succeed with our goals in a new country.

The town of Fort Erie is small in the world but big with hope and future for new students and refugees to Canada. My goal is to fully acquire the skills to speak English fluently and accurately. I have this great opportunity to learn English as a second language.

I am willing to build my character through self-confidence by studying the tutoring material that the community has given to me. The materials allow me to improve my writing and reading skills and also help me share with other learners.

This community is supporting me by helping with the path to my future. There will also be hope for me and others as new immigrants coming from different backgrounds and cultures. The skill of speaking English and reading and writing helps in business communications and also socially.

I am very proud to help others in different ways. A bright future path is waiting for new immigrants to Canada as we learn English as a second language and begin a new future. The sun shines and is bright for me and you as we are new learners with ambition to see through the window of hope. This method I learn to read and write with gives me motivation and satisfaction in my personal life.

The experience of learning gives me the great opportunity to attend classes with the Adult Literacy Council of Greater Fort Erie. Its giving me hope for the future that I am waiting patiently for. I'm happy and joyful that I am learning this new skill of the English language which allows me to express and share in the community. It is a long bridge but soon we will learn how to speak, write, and read English.

I am preparing myself with these communication skills that I have struggled with, but I am determined to accomplish my goal. My communications skills will greatly affect my life here in Canada.

I very much appreciate the benefits I have received from the community of Fort Erie and am committed to giving back to the best of my ability. Canada is a country that allows me to have a successful life of being true to my beliefs and principles, of experiencing the simple joys of life and building self-esteem, character, and contentment. These are the things that make my life worth living. It is my hope that you will give my article serious consideration.