ESL student proves you’re never too old to learn
December 11, 2017
GUELPH, Ontario – St. George’s Centre for Adult ESL was buzzing on Monday, as staff and students celebrated the birthday of a special student.
This week, Zhen, the oldest learner in the Upper Grand District School Board’s adult English as a Second Language (ESL) program, turns 91. On Monday, staff and students celebrated with Zhen, her son who lives in Guelph, and two daughters who flew in from China for her birthday celebrations.
Zhen’s commitment to lifelong learning inspires all those around her.
She first came to Canada in 1998 to visit her son who had immigrated to Guelph. She fell in love with Canada and her family applied for her to stay. Once she made Canada her new home, Zhen decided that she should get involved in Canadian society. In order to do so, however, she had to learn English.
Zhen registered in the ESL program at St. George’s Centre in 2005, already in her late 70s. At the time, Zhen could not speak, read or write in English. She was placed in an ESL Literacy class, which has a slower pace to allow learners time to develop literacy skills as well as learn English.
According to her son, Zhen made amazing progress, due to her enthusiasm for learning as well as good study habits. With her progress in the ESL program has also come an increased sense of independence.
Zhen said that she loves coming to St. George’s Centre because the teachers and the other leaners are like family – a feeling that was quite evident on Monday during her birthday celebrations.
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