UBC Learning Exchange is an organization that mainly interacts with the marginalized communities of the Downtown Eastside. These local residents are low-income newcomers to Canada that are refugees or permanent residents. Majority of them have trouble speaking English, which can lead to discrimination and social exclusion. It also becomes difficult for them to obtain jobs that will cause them discomfort in their lives mentally, socially, and financially. Other residents are unemployed and struggling with addiction and/or mental illnesses, and Aboriginal people that lost contact with their heritage and traditions.

My first week at the UBC Learning Exchange has been an interesting experience that allowed me to reflect deeply about the communities of the Downtown Eastside and the organization itself. Local residents come to the UBC Learning Exchange to learn and to build on prior knowledge. They struggle speaking English, which could be difficult for them to communicate when they’re out and about. When I observed one of the ESL classes, I noticed that UBC Learning Exchange uses practical lessons that allow local residents to feel confident and be able to express what they want to say when they do other activities outside of the organization. Practical lessons include how to use transit, recycle, describing people, and going to the clinic or grocery store. All of these lessons help people make their lives easy. What I enjoyed the most was that these people are invested and they take the time to come to the Learning Exchange and become familiar with subjects that reflect on their lives. It makes me feel proud that the UBC Learning Exchange is helping these local residents to feel in ease and an inclusive place for them to work in. Another activities that I got involved with is sewing button pillow cases and blankets,  drop in for computer lessons, and playing mahjong.  What made me feel a little uncomfortable was the drop in for the computer lessons. I didn’t want to come across has “babying” local residents in how to use a computer.  These people are adults and they never used a computer nonetheless touched a computer before. I wanted to be there for people but not in a way that would make them feel like a child such as saying “good job!” “there you go, you got it.” It was hard from adjusting from my practicum to the CFE.  At the end, I just helped people who asked for help, but I kept reminding myself not to come across that way.

UBC Learning Exchange has got myself and the other UBC students involved in amazing projects. These projects include: Elderly Abuse Awareness Day, Summer Connect, Legal Access Forum, and creating lesson plans for the ESL classes. All of these projects are to help create awareness of what is going on in the world and to find ways to build a better community. I look forward to working on these projects and to express the outcome of these events. I feel good at this moment, and I’m happy that I’m involved in a great organization.