SECC offers virtual citizenship classes

By Abby Neufeld-Dick

LEAMINGTON – Over the course of four weeks, South Essex Community Council’s (SECC) Welcoming Communities Worker, Pooja Lal, instructs and delivers lessons to permanent residents who are looking to become Canadian citizens.

A course has been developed based on the various subject matters that are incorporated into the Canadian Citizenship test. Subject areas include rights and responsibilities, history, geography, economy, government, laws and symbols.

Lal takes an interactive approach during the class, allowing students to ask any questions they may have and delves deeper into material when necessary.

“Teaching citizenship class is the highlight of my week,” said Lal. “It gives me the chance to regularly connect and engage with our clients. I cherish this opportunity to connect, especially in light of our pandemic related restrictions.”

Over the course of the pandemic, citizenship tests were held off for a while, and have now transitioned to an online test which allows for permanent residents to continue the process of becoming Canadian citizens.

SECC not only instructs citizenship classes, it also provides supports for permanent residents, convention refugees, refugee claimants, naturalized Canadians and temporary visitors to help them identify and achieve their settlement goals.

To learn more about SECC’s Settlement Services or other available services, visit secc.on.ca or call 519-326-8629. SECC continues to provide remote services during the pandemic.