Zakiye’s story: Building confidence, one Conversation at a time

When Zakiye first arrived in Canada, everyday tasks that many people take for granted felt intimidating. One of the biggest challenges was visiting the bank. She often needed help with questions about her account or bills, but talking to a bank employee felt overwhelming.

“Before this class, it was very difficult for me to go to the bank and ask questions,” she explained. “I felt worried and nervous because I did not know how to explain my problem in English.”

Like many newcomers, the language barrier created stress in moments when she needed clarity the most. Even simple conversations required a level of confidence she did not yet feel. This changed when she joined an English class through ISANS a supportive environment where she could learn, practice, and grow at her own pace.

In class, Zakiye learned new vocabulary and practical phrases that she could use in everyday conversations. She and her classmates practiced speaking, asking questions, and building the skills needed for real-life situations. “The speaking practice helped me the most,” she said. “I learned useful words, and now I feel more confident.”

That confidence was put to the test one day when she needed to visit the bank about a problem with her online phone bill. In the past, this situation might have caused her significant stress. But this time, she felt ready. Using the vocabulary and sentence structures she had learned, she approached the bank employee, explained her issue, and understood the reply clearly. She successfully solved the problem on her own.

This moment became a turning point. Before, she would leave the house feeling nervous and uncertain. After this experience, she felt proud, relieved, and empowered. It was the first time she fully recognized how much progress she had made and how capable she truly was. “After, I felt confident, proud, and happy because I solved my problem by myself,” she shared.

Today, Zakiye feels more independent in her daily life in Canada. She knows she can communicate her needs, ask questions, and advocate for herself. Tasks like visiting the bank no longer feel frightening they are simply part of life. As she put it, “Now I feel more independent because I can go to the bank and speak for myself without fear.”

Her journey is a reminder of the power of language and how the right support can help newcomers build confidence that lasts far beyond the classroom.