Salma - 50 Stories for 50 Years (Story # 10)
When Salma (not her real name) arrived in Canada from Afghanistan in 2022, she brought her five children, all under age twelve. She hoped for a better future, but she also felt very alone. Salma did not speak English. With five young children to care for, including a 6-month-old baby, going to language classes seemed impossible.
"I couldn't go to school to learn English," she recalls. "My husband went to work and I couldn't speak English; I couldn't do anything."
Everything changed when Salma’s support worker introduced her to Morie, the Family Outreach Literacy Coordinator at MPNH. Morie matched Salma with Ella, a patient and compassionate English language tutor. Salma and Ella met virtually once a week.
"Ella was wonderful," Salma says. “When my son needed me to feed him, change a diaper, or anything else, Ella was very patient.”
The program usually lasts six months, but Ella continued working with Salma for more than a year and a half so she could build the skills she needed to use social services, talk to her children’s teachers, and build relationships within her community.
Step by step, Salma's confidence grew. Morie and Ella helped Salma move to Pathways, a standard English program in Canada. Taking online classes while managing young children was hard, but Salma didn’t give up. She learned essential listening and speaking skills. Now, she looks forward to her next level of English classes at the South Hill Adult Education Centre in Vancouver.
Salma’s story shows that when you educate a woman, you educate a family. Her school-aged children started attending MPNH’s Youth and Homework programs. There, they made friends and got help with their schoolwork. When Salma worried about her 13-year-old daughter’s math skills, Morie arranged summer tutoring.
“I really admire Morie and the neighborhood house,” Salma says. “They help me always. Without this help, I was nothing.”
Salma is grateful for the complete support MPNH offers. Besides learning English, Salma attends workshops to learn basic computer skills. Her family also appreciates MPNH’s children’s clothing exchanges. Salma’s connection with Morie and Ella is very important.
“They help me always,” Salma says. “When I need something, I call Morie or Ella.”
Salma hopes MPNH will add programs for younger children in the future. She wants preschool activities and family drop-in programs where little ones can play and learn. She understands what makes MPNH so important: they meet families where they are, helping parents and children at the same time.
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.
