As an educator, editor and avid reader, I had long been a supporter of PEN Canada, so it was a logical extension to link up with its Writers in Exile group.
Thus, as a Refugee Integration Mentor and Tutor at Romero House, co-chair of a faith-based Refugee Support Group, and Skills Developer at Ontario’s Private Refugee Support Network, I assumed that I was prepared for this more specialized language coaching and had plenty to offer. In fact, I looked forward to helping PEN’s newcomers improve their language and writing skills. However, little did I know then that the educational journey of enlightenment, affirmation, and inspiration would be mine.
First of all, the writers with whom I work as a volunteer-tutor – from countries as varied as Colombia, Eritrea, Iran, Turkey, and Venezuela – enlighten me about the oppressive political and economic realities which they have had to escape. They educate me about current repressive political realities in their countries of origin, and thus broaden my understanding of the geopolitical situations that have adversely affected and even endangered their lives. I recognize that like many Canadians, it is too easy to slip into insularity, and I am grateful to have my oft-comfortable world vision enlarged.
