For many who have crossed oceans, borders, and countless hardships to call Newfoundland home, the challenge of learning English is not simply academic — it is the difference between isolation and belonging, between silence and self-expression.
Answering that need with warmth and without cost, Tombolo Multicultural Festival NL has launched a free weekly English Speaking Practice program, extending an open invitation to newcomers, new immigrants, and refugees across the province.
The sessions, which began rolling out this spring, take place every Monday from 11:30 in the morning until 12:30 in the afternoon, conducted entirely online via Zoom — a format that removes the barrier of geography and transportation for those who may be settling in communities far from the city centre.
Language is often one of the biggest challenges when moving to a new country. This program bridges that gap.
Organizers have been deliberate in designing a space that feels safe rather than evaluative. Participation is open to all regardless of current proficiency — whether a person has been speaking English for years or has barely begun, they are welcome at the virtual table.
The emphasis is firmly on real, spontaneous conversation rather than rote classroom instruction. Participants are encouraged to speak, to listen, to ask questions, and to make the kinds of natural mistakes that are, in truth, the very engine of language learning.
Community leaders involved with the project have noted that the program’s true value extends beyond grammar and vocabulary. In practicing alongside peers who share similar journeys, participants build confidence, forge friendships, and weave themselves more deeply into the fabric of their new home.
Program at a Glance
📅Every Monday
🕐11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
💻Online via Zoom
✅Completely free of charge
👥Open to all levels
🖊Register: forms.gle/Fsm228…
💌media@tombolomulticulturalfestivalnl.ca
Tombolo Multicultural Festival NL, a well-regarded advocate for cultural inclusion in the province, has long championed programs that recognize the dignity and potential of every person who arrives on these shores.
This English practice initiative reflects that continuing commitment — a reminder that language, at its best, is not a wall but a welcome.
Those wishing to join are encouraged to register through the online form linked below, or to write directly to the organizers for further information.
Upal Nandy, 29 April 2026