Please join us in congratulating Hina on being SHLC’s September 2024 Learner of the Month.

Hina was nominated by Anita, an educator here at the Sioux Lookout Learning Centre. Here is a statement about Hina from Anita.

Hina is a newcomer to Canada from Pakistan. She decided to improve her English and chances of getting a job in the future by choosing to get an Ontario Secondary School Diploma. Although the curriculum often has words that she has never heard (especially as we are working our way through the Science courses!) she does not give up. She has built on what she learned in the English course to slowly sound out words, break them up into bite size syllables and independently looks for clues in word formation and meaning from the words around the unknown word. In doing so, she has improved her vocabulary greatly both in reading and speech. She is uncertain which direction she will head when she graduates, but is excited to have the opportunity!

We decided to ask Hina some questions so we could share more about their story with you.

 

How did you first hear about our program?

My friend was taking classes with Anita and told me about the Learning Centre. Also people in my sponsorship group..

Did you have any struggles during your learning? If so, how did you overcome them?

I left my studies 10 years ago. So it was hard to start again. Especially in a different language. But I started, and now I am learning new things everyday by myself and with Anita’s help.

What advice do you have for someone thinking about starting to improve their skills?

Never give up. Keep learning.

What is your greatest achievement? Or what accomplishment are you most proud of?

I am proud that I am learning new things in a second language. I am proud that I am here in the Learning Centre.

What are your goals for the future?

To get a job. To become a Canadian citizen. I want to become a chef.

Is there anyone you would like to thank for supporting you on this journey?

My brother and the people on the sponsorship team that brought my husband and me to Canada.

Is there anything else you would like to share with people about winning this award?

I am so happy to receive this award. It is a massive achievement in my life. I am very thankful for my teacher, Anita, because I am able to achieve this award because of her help.

Congratulations Hina! All the best in 2024!