National Adult Literacy Database

February 21, 2000

This week, we are launching 2 stories from Employment Projects for Women Inc. in Winnipeg, Manitoba. As a special event you can read their stories as well as hear them. These two learners are attending the "Bridges to Employment" program at EPW, which provides Canadian and Foreign born individuals the opportunity to learn English, mathematics, an introduction to computers and employment preparation.

This story was written by Olivia Coreas. Olivia is presently attending "Bridges to Employment", a community based literacy course offered by Employment Projects for Women Inc. in Winnipeg. This course gave her the first opportunity to learn about computers. It also gave her the opportunity to speak English in public. Olivia had never spoken in public before. These things will help her apply for a job.

Play an audio version of this story

My Family and My Dreams

by Olivia Coreas

I'm from El Salvador. I came to Canada on June 26, 1992. I have eight children, five boys and three girls. Now I'm happy because I'm a Grandma. I have a three grandchildren, one grandson and two granddaughters. I love all of them so much. I enjoy sharing my skills and hobbies with them.

I like to make dresses, crafts and different Spanish meals. I like to swim, walk, listen to music, read, sing, play and dance.

I enjoy making dresses for my beautiful granddaughters. I like Winnipeg because it is a small, quiet, clean and beautiful city. I love flowers so much and this is why I like Winnipeg in the summer time. But I don't like winter, when the streets are slippery although I like the snow. The winter is too cold and too long.

In Canada we have the opportunity to study and be true to our dreams. I like to study and so I am attending a course, called "Bridges to Employment". I hope to improve my English and math skills that help me go for further education or a job. I enjoy my class, I meet people from different countries and the instructors are so nice.