National Adult Literacy Database

August 25, 2008

This week, we have a story written by Simarjit Kaur Kalkat, from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Simarjit is originally from India, where she worked as a nurse. She immigrated to Canada with her husband in December 2006. Her son also lives in Winnipeg; he and his wife have two young children. Simarjit wants to improve her spoken English so that she can take job training and find a job.

Story

by Simarjit Kaur Kalkat

When I landed at the Toronto airport for the first time, I was lost. I could not see my granddaughter anywhere. I was scared! With the help of a stranger who spoke my language, Punjab, I finally found her. My next journey, my journey of learning, was also scary.

I was born in Jalander, India. I started school at six and finished at 17. Then I was trained to become a nurse for two years. After training, I was married. My husband was working for the Indian Air Force. I joined the Punjab Health Services. I was a nurse for 24 years in India, before taking early retirement. After grade 12 graduation, my son came to Toronto to study computer software engineering. My first visit to Canada was in 1998. I went back to India in 1999. I came to Winnipeg again in 2004 along with my husband. My husband went back to India after one month, but I continued to help my son and his family for one and a half years, as they had two small kids. Finally, I returned to my husband in India.

My husband and I immigrated to Canada in December 2006 because my only son and his family were living in Winnipeg. I have one granddaughter who is 6 years old and one grandson who is five years old. My daughter-in-law works at the Royal Bank. My son is a sales agent with Freightline Trucking Company on Logan Avenue and he also owns Raj Transport Company. As well, my husband is working as a security officer with Canada Garda Security Company.

I want to improve my spoken English so that I can take job training and find a job. To achieve this goal, I have taken a four week training course called Bridges to Communication at Employment Projects of Winnipeg and now I have joined a four day Learner Speakers course. I also plan to take a language course at Winnipeg Technical College.

My whole family is very happy to live in Canada. We feel very rich with happiness. When you come to a new country, it is hard work. But keep on working and you too will be successful.

[This story was taken with permission from the LPM website under Featured Learner Writer Stories.]