Toronto, Aug. 09, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ABC Life Literacy Canada (ABC) is pleased to announce that Money Matters for Newcomers and New Canadians is now available in Simplified Chinese.
Canada is known the world over for being a safe port in the storm, for welcoming newcomers in search of a better life. Coming to Canada is just the first step. Settling in and becoming productive and engaged citizens can be a daunting next step. In many cases newcomers must deal with a new language and a whole new way of life. Everyday activities such as opening a bank account, using an automated bank machine or debit card for the first time can be huge hurdles. In some cultures, credit doesn’t exist and in others interest is forbidden.
In response to a clear need, ABC launched Money Matters for Newcomers and New Canadians in 2015 to help the immigrant and refugee community navigate Canada’s banking and credit systems. As of June 2018, over 5,000 learners have been reached through 265 workshops across Canada. The program is part of the Money Matters suite of financial literacy programs developed by ABC with support from TD Bank Group.
“There are many benefits to learning in a first language,” said ABC Executive Director Mack Rogers. “Learners grasp concepts better and learn faster when taught in their first language which is why, whenever possible, we translate our workshop material and engage volunteers to deliver our programs in the language of the learner.”
According to the 2011 Canadian Census 1.1 million people identified the various Chinese languages as their first language. Community organizations across the county also consistently look to ABC for resources to support Chinese language speakers. The Money Matters program is already available in English, French and Arabic so the introduction of the Simplified Chinese workbooks was a logical next step.
The first Money Matters for Newcomers and New Canadians workshop using the Simplified Chinese workbooks was delivered last month at ASSIST Community Services Centre in Edmonton. The workshop was delivered in Mandarin by a TD volunteer and had a larger than expected turnout that was enthusiastically received by the participants. Additional workshops are being booked across Canada.
To find out more about Money Matters for Newcomers and New Canadians, to sign up to host a workshop in your community, or to access free resources, visit ABCMoneyMatters.ca.
About ABC Life Literacy Canada
ABC Life Literacy Canada is a non-profit organization that inspires Canadians to increase their literacy and essential skills. We mobilize business, government and communities to support lifelong learning and achieve our goals through leadership in programs, communications and partnerships. We envision a Canada where everyone has the skills they need to live a fully engaged life. For the latest news and information on adult literacy please visit www.abclifeliteracy.ca, follow us on Twitter or join our Facebook page.
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