About Portage Learning and Literacy Centre

Our Newcomer Settlement Services program provides various settlement services, language training, and community connection activities to help newcomers to Canada settle into their new community and begin to participate in all facets of Canadian life.

We offer formal Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada through our English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. We also coordinate volunteers to offer informal language training (one-to-one, small group sessions or Conversation Circles) for anyone wanting to improve their English and make new friends. Our ESL classes are offered Tuesday and Thursday evenings for in-person Stage 1 and 2. 

We offer a Summer Youth Engagement Program with various fun, educational, and interactive activities planned for newcomer youth throughout the summer. We also offer specific programming year-round for newcomer youth, women, and older adults, and we have employment related services, including a Career Mentorship Program for newcomers who have international training and experience and want to continue working in their profession. Annually, we coordinate at least two major community events, including a multicultural celebration in partnership with the local museum in August, and a huge winter holidays celebration in December.   

In partnership with the Portage la Prairie School Division, we offer SWIS – Settlement Workers in Schools, which includes one full-time SWIS Worker who assists eligible newcomer students along with their families to better understand the Canadian Education System and smoothly transition to 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 and needs assistance, we can connect anyone with volunteers in the community to assist with meeting their needs.