A group of 20 Northwest Regional College students, who are immigrants from as far away as China, India, Ukraine, El Salvador and Columbia toured North Battleford’s City Hall earlier this month.
These adult students, all of them enrolled in local instructor Chris Pollard’s English class, went on this field trip to learn more about municipal governance and gain insight into possible future careers with the municipality.
City Clerk Debbie Wohlberg, who led the tour, says it was a real pleasure to welcome these students who have come to North Battleford from nine countries and speak a wide variety of languages.
“Their determination to master the English language and to advance themselves and their families in this community is an inspiration,” said Wohlberg.
“The City of North Battleford supports their endeavours to integrate into our community and to find meaningful work and comfort here. Their multicultural backgrounds enrich the community as a whole.”
During the tour on Monday, Dec. 8, City of North Battleford experts in various fields provided the students with an in-depth, first-hand look at municipal operations.
Back in the classroom, the students expressed an appreciation for both that glimpse into how cities operate and the afforded to them to hear the English language spoken by the various presenters.
“We had a great discussion in the classroom following this field trip,” said Pollard. “It was nice to have the various presentations as this gave the students the opportunity to listen to a variety of English speakers and they were very comfortable in asking questions as well.”
