What Does Sociocultural Learning and Literacy Look Like in an Adult Employment Preparation Program?

Marion

Marion was much more reticent than Hannah during her interview and did not share any recollections of her childhood education in Somalia. She did say she had to leave school at the age of 12 when civil war forced the closure of her school. She and her husband immigrated to Canada in 1995 and both of their children were born after their arrival. She also attended ESL classes when she first arrived in Ottawa. Similar to Hannah, she stopped attending when her youngest child was born.

Marion is very shy and soft–spoken. She gave only brief responses to the interview questions and never provided more information or details to help illustrate a point. Despite her reluctance to talk at any length, it is apparent that she is very thoughtful and has a strong desire to learn. It was her husband who encouraged her to return to school. He seems to value education, based on Marion's description of his encouragement and willingness to share childcare responsibilities. Marion explained how he helps her at home with her English reading and writing. He has also taught her to use their home computer and navigate the Internet. She and her husband do not rely on social assistance and do not have subsidized daycare for their children. In order to accommodate Marion’s return to school, her husband cared for their children in the morning while Marion attended the employment preparation program. He then went to work each afternoon and evening while Marion stayed home with their children. Marion, like Hannah, has never had paid work in Canada. In addition, she never worked outside the home before coming to Canada.

When Marion first entered the employment preparation program, after also being referred from the ESL program, she said she wanted to overcome her shyness and to learn what to say to people in different situations. Although she had a high level of oral language skills, she felt her shyness prevented her from expressing herself and fitting into the community. She was also motivated to find part–time work in order to supplement her husband's income.