Speak English Café

The Speak English Café was given its name because of the importance placed on a relaxed atmosphere.  The Working Centre provides coffee and water, as well as cookies and other refreshments which helps to create the "café" atmosphere.

Participants and volunteers of the Speak English Café meet every Thursday evening from 6pm to 8pm at The Queen St. Commons located at 43 Queen St. South.  Newcomers and Canadians alike sit around tables and converse in English, often with the aid of reading materials to instigate conversation.  The object of this program is to help refugee claimants and other newcomers to practice speaking English.

The Café began in November 2002, with the help of some students from Wilfred Laurier University.  The concept of the café is quite simple: English conversation that brings people together and builds community.

MCRS is looking for volunteers to be involved in the Speak English Café. Anyone interested in learning and working with the Legal areas of the refugee claim process is encouraged to contact the Volunteer Coordinator by email or by phone at (519) 571-1912 for more information. For more information on the skills and requirements for the Speak English Café see below.

Requirements and Skills:

• A commitment to respect all refugee claimants and others at the Speak English Café
• Comfort in communicating with people from various cultures.
• Flexibility to adapt to unexpected situations
• A second, third, or fourth language is an asset (but do not let this prevent you from volunteering!)

For more information or to set up a volunteer intake meeting contact the Volunteer Coordinator Steven Reesor Rempel by email or by phone at (519) 571-1912.