About Us
At Language for Life, we craft personalized learning paths tailored to each student's unique needs and goals.
Our curriculum is dynamic and continuously adapted to ensure you receive the most effective and engaging learning experience.
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Meet our Certified English Instructors
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Gioia
Morris
Gioia's Canadian journey began when she immigrated from Europe at the age of 20, an experience that gave her a profound appreciation for the challenges and rewards of language learning.
This ignited her passion to teach English, leading her to earn a diploma in Second Language Teaching from the University of Western Ontario in 2000. Recognizing the significant need for evening English classes in the Okanagan, Gioia co-founded Language for Life in 2016.
As an instructor, she focuses on a comprehensive curriculum that integrates functional grammar, modern idioms, cultural literacy, and precise pronunciation. Witnessing her students' language skills flourish is the most rewarding part of her work.
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Learn more about Gioia's experience and dedication as a teacher and Executive Director...
Tara
Stewart
Tara Stewart began her career in ESL 30 years ago with literacy students at Okanagan College. She completed her TESL training in 2013 and has since taught in various environments, from private schools to community programming.
As a co-founder of Language for Life, Tara utilizes her years of knowledge to personalize each lesson, specializing in intermediate and advanced writing skills and test preparation for the IELTS and CELPIP exams.
Alongside teaching, she initiates and organizes our volunteer programming, including founding the BC TEAL-sponsored TALK Literacy Project and the successful federally sponsored SAIM CELPIP speaking program.
​Learn more about Tara's full experience and passion for teaching...
Our Story
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Language for Life Society was founded by Gioia Morris and Tara Stewart in 2014. We began by teaching evening ESL classes and quickly recognized the large gap in accessing English language instruction for many immigrants and temporary visa holders.
In 2022, we became a non-profit society, strengthening our voice and increasing collaboration with other agencies to advocate for our students.
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Every student who walks through our doors is like family, and we strive to always go above and beyond.
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The full story of our dedication, growth, and unique approach is worth the read!
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Meet the Board
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Our non-profit restructuring in 2022 brought us many benefits, most of all our incredible board members, who have helped guide Language for Life Society with their expertise and kindness.
Their dedication to our mission is exemplary. To view the full profiles and expertise of every Board Member, check our Board of Directors Page.​
SAIM Volunteer Program
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SAIM (Speaking for All community Immigrant Members)
Language for Life is proud to continue offering the SAIM Program for our registered students to receive the speaking practice they need to excel on the CELPIP Speaking test.
SAIM is a federally government-sponsored program which provides an opportunity for our students to access much-needed in-person speaking practice.
Our specially trained SAIM volunteers meet one-to-one with a Language for Life student to help increase speaking fluency skills. The aim is to improve the newcomer’s English-speaking skills for the CELPIP exam, and also build confidence that is vital for advancement in employment and integration into Canadian society.
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Interested in volunteering or learning more about the program requirements?
Testimonials​
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Nothing compares to watching our students work hard, reach their goals, and become comfortable in their new community. Their success gives Canada its success, and we are proud to continue to be a part of their journey.
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Click the button below to read more about the life-changing experiences of our students.