The Language Lab

Welcome to The Language Lab, an inclusive program led by teens, for teens. Practise your English conversation skills and make new friends! This program is perfect for anyone who wants to improve their confidence when speaking English. We'll build a supportive community so that everyone can feel empowered to be risk-taking contributors. Join the conversation today!

The program is for teens in grades 8 to 12. Sign up for the fall term of weekly sessions through Dec. 18. 

Teen program leader bios

Bennett

My name is Bennett, and I am a 17-year-old grade 12 student at Brockton School. In my spare time I am a member of The World Music Program, Brockton School's track team (Go Grizzlies!!), as well as community musical theatre. I am also a passionate advocate for social justice, with a particular focus on the injustices present in the immigration process and experience. This passion is partly inspired by my father’s experience with immigration when he immigrated to Canada from Hong Kong after its concession to China. Through advocacy, I hope to contribute to a more equitable, inclusive and diverse society.

Saliha

My name is Saliha, and I am a 17-year-old grade 12 student at Brockton School. In my free time, I love to read, and I am a passionate member of the North Shore’s World Music Program. I am also deeply committed to social justice and immigration issues. I am a second-generation immigrant, and my perspectives on immigration and identity have been profoundly impacted by my parents’ emigration from Rwanda and Kenya to Canada when they were children. Their stories about the cultural and language barriers they faced growing up in an unfamiliar country have inspired me to engage with local communities to work towards creating more supportive and inclusive environments for newcomers.

Isaac

My name is Isaac, and I am a 17-year-old grade 12 student at Brockton School. I immigrated to Canada from the U.K. in 2018. I love Hula-Hoops crisps, although I have a hard time finding them outside the U.K.! As an immigrant myself, I am passionate about social justice issues, especially related to immigration. Despite having a much easier immigration journey than some, I still remember how difficult it was to adjust to a new country when I was only 11 years old. This makes me very passionate about helping people who have had significantly more difficulty, such as having to learn a new language, or adjust to somewhere with more cultural differences. I love to watch movies, be outdoors, and I am also a member of Brockton’s World Music Program.

Hannah

My name is Hannah, and I am a 17-year-old grade 12 student attending Brockton School. When I am not at school I spend my time as a goalie for my soccer team and as a camp counsellor at Camp Latona. I have lived in Lynn Valley my whole life and as a member of this community, I hope to share it with others and make newcomers feel welcome to bring new language and culture to the lower mainland. I hope to create a supportive and engaging space that gives room for growth and connection! I love my two cats and one dog, all my siblings, playing music with the Brockton School World Music Program, and meeting new people.