About Portage Learning and Literacy Centre

Our Newcomer Settlement Services program provides a range of settlement supports, language training, and community connection activities to help newcomers to Canada settle into their new community and begin participating in all aspects of Canadian life.

We offer formal Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) through our English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. Starting September 2025, our ESL classes will be offered Tuesday and Thursday evenings for in-person Stage 1 and Stage 2 learners. In addition, we coordinate volunteers to provide informal language support through one-to-one tutoring, small group sessions, or Conversation Circles for anyone wanting to improve their English and build connections.

We run a Summer Youth Engagement Program that features fun, educational, and interactive activities for newcomer youth throughout the summer months. Year-round, we also offer targeted programming for newcomer youth, women, and older adults. We provide employment-related support for newcomers to help them build skills, explore career pathways, and connect with local opportunities. Each year, we coordinate at least two major community events: a festival celebrating local heritage and cultures from around the world in our region, in partnership with local museums, and a large winter holiday celebration in December.

In partnership with the Portage la Prairie School Division and the Prairie Spirit School Division, we deliver SWIS – Settlement Workers in Schools, which includes two full-time SWIS Workers supporting eligible newcomer students and their families in understanding the Canadian education system and transitioning smoothly into a new culture.

All settlement services are available to:

Permanent Residents or Manitoba eligible clients, including temporary residents holding a valid work permit or study permit, refugee claimants, Canadian-born citizens raised outside Canada, naturalized Canadian citizens, and spouse and dependents of those listed above. 

All LINC (Stage 1 and Stage 2 ESL classes) are available to: Permanent Residents only

Please note, if someone is not eligible for our programs and needs assistance, we will do our best to connect them to our volunteers or other community resources to help meet their needs.