The Training Group at Douglas College and its partners recently opened a newly renovated learning centre in Surrey today for recently arrived immigrants and refugees.

The 835-sq.-m Surrey Learning Centre, at 9801 King George Blvd., currently provides more than 200 new immigrants and refugees in Surrey with free English classes.

Classes first opened in a temporary space in July and moved to the newly renovated centre in January.

The centre is operated by the consortium partnership group of Douglas College, Klein and Associates Inc., Immigrant Services Society of BC and MOSAIC.

The Surrey Learning Centre includes seven classrooms ranging from 45-75 sq. m each, two kitchens, two decks, a registration area, a prep area for instructors and a recently opened child-minding centre – a unique feature – where parents can leave their under-school age children while they attend classes.

Taught through ELSA – English Language Services for Adults – the “language settlement program” is free and funded by the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation. In it, students learn how to read and write in English and also learn about Canadian law, health care, society and jobs.

For more information, visit www.douglascollege.ca.