Last year, we took a group of refugee newcomers bowling with an NSG. It was a great success! Since the group changes (ones from last year have moved on as they settle into Canada and new refugees arrive) this almost seemed like a brand new event! Grandview Lanes hosted us on July 16th. Of the 30 of us who attended, 2 young men who came along had just come to the ISSofBC Welcome Centre 2 days before, so this was definitely a welcoming event for those newest to Canada. I value the weekly tea and conversation + English class that newcomers participate in, but have observed that there is different learning and community building that happens when we (newcomers, English teachers and other hosts) take time to play together! The staff at Grandview Lanes were amazing – helping despite limited language skills to ensure everyone got shoes and that their names were up on the scoreboards. This year, we added pizza, veggie trays and a ‘drink ticket’. When the 9 ordered vegetarian pizzas were gone, the staff were quick to get a couple more in the oven – it is some of the best pizza I’ve had recently!
One specific story and how it relates to learning is around those ‘drink tickets’. They said ‘alcohol ticket’, which was of some concern to some of our non-alcohol drinking guests. We were not buying anyone alcohol! It lead to conversation. When one newcomer saw my root beer, it lead to a conversation too – no, it’s not alcohol…They had a chance to try some new non-alcoholic beverages.
Another connection was made when one of the ladies asked when we got there if her young adult son could come. He joined us and it was good for him to meet the group & see how we love his mom.
Also, because this was done in the summer a few of our regular English class attendees brought their kids – who aren’t in school of course. Some we had met before, and like all kids, they’ve grown! It felt like family.
There was lots of laughter, cheering and friendly competition for the afternoon. All in all, it built community and allowed us all to forget some of our challenges in life and delight in a game and time together.
For privacy & security reasons, I won’t upload a photo of our time together except this one where no faces are visible. Thanks for understanding.
