Erum Imran is a TESL certified teacher with almost 7 years of teaching experience. After completing a Master’s degree in International Relations, she pursued a teaching career in the Middle East. In her search for opportunities to offer her training and expertise, she came across the Immigrant Centre’s website and applied for a volunteer position.

Erum has been a volunteer Conversation Group Facilitator and Administrative Assistant in the Immigrant Centre’s, Access English Centre since September 2015. The Access English Centre, AEC, offers newcomers the opportunity to practice their English language skills (free of charge) in a conversational setting. Erum started off teaching classes twice a week, and is currently working with a group of beginner students, most of whom are Syrian refugees.

When she is not volunteering at the Immigrant Centre, Erum works as an e-facilitator at English Online. She has also volunteered at the University of Manitoba as a Language Partner for international students registered in the Intensive English Program. In addition to English, Erum speaks Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi and Arabic, and is now learning French.

“I would definitely recommend volunteering to newcomers. It’s a good opportunity to gain Canadian experience and on the other hand, it’s a great way of giving back to the community.” Of her volunteer experience at the Immigrant Centre she says, “I like the environment. It’s great working with Sue, Shanshan, May and Walter (AEC Staff). Their advice and opinions really matter, especially Walter’s (AEC Manager); his feedback is always very helpful.”

The Immigrant Centre thanks you Erum for your time and dedication.