Cam Gilbert - 50 Stories for 50 Years (Story # 17)
Cam’s journey with Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House began about four years ago while he was looking for volunteer opportunities. He lived in Mount Pleasant and commuted to University of British Columbia (UBC), where he taught university students and worked on his doctoral degree. Cam was impressed with the number of volunteer opportunities at his local neighbourhood house and decided MPNH’s Family Literacy Outreach Program would be his best fit.
The first time Cam visited MPNH, he was struck by the beauty of the space and the welcoming atmosphere. MPNH felt like an oasis of community within a rapidly changing city. Cam immediately connected with Morie, the Family Literacy Outreach Coordinator, and began his four hours of training to become a tutor.
Morie matched Cam with an Afghan refugee family. Cam recalls the fun chaos of their first online sessions. Four children darted in and out of frame while their parents tried to be students and caregivers at the same time. Neither parent spoke much English, and Cam recognized a difficult challenge ahead. But the family’s motivation to learn despite all their challenges made the sessions a meaningful part of Cam’s week.
At first, Cam was concerned about teaching without a curriculum. But as he got to know his students, he realized how limiting a curriculum would be. And he appreciated how MPNH’s Literacy team trusted him to adapt his lessons.
When Cam learned that the father was studying for his BC Driver’s license, his ICBC materials became Cam’s teaching resources. Road signs, traffic rules, and driving vocabulary became a foundation for learning English. With each lesson, Cam was inspired by the father’s determination for independence.
The mother was also motivated by her own sense of independence. She wanted to connect with other mothers, talk to her children’s teachers, and navigate her neighbourhood with confidence. She tried to speak English at home with her husband and children as often as she could. And she wanted to connect with other Afghan families who were also learning English.
But it wasn’t just this lovely Afghan family who experienced transformation. Cam had always taught in a university setting. Meeting online with this family for two years was different – not just because of the setting, but because of their relationship.
“I found it way more fulfilling,” Cam said.
He was not just teaching for grades or credentials. He was a lifeline for two adults and their four children.
Cam hopes MPNH continues to be a space for meaningful transformations – not only for newcomers navigating the challenges of settlement, but also for the people who work with them. He wants more more opportunities for newcomer families from similar backgrounds to connect and learn together. In 50 more years, Cam hopes MPNH will always be a space full of opportunities for meaningful connections.
Story written by Carrie Keen through an interview with the participant during her practicum placement at Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House.
50 Stories for 50 Years at MPNH is a collection of meaningful stories that celebrate the lasting impact our Neighbourhood House has had over the years. These stories come from long-time participants, families, youth, volunteers, community members, and regular visitors whose lives have been touched, supported, or transformed through our programs, services, and connections at the House.
