Learning for Life at the Cold Lake Community Learning Centre

A new semester is starting this week at the Cold Lake Community Learning Centre, and with it comes another chance for local residents to build skills, explore interests, and open new doors. From literacy support and computer basics to employment preparation and English language learning, the Centre’s programs are designed to meet people where they are.

I visited the Cold Lake Learning Centre and chatted with Ana Dodman, Program Coordinator and Debra Pelechowsky, Executive Director, who see first-hand the difference these classes make.

From literacy support to computer basics, English language learning, and employment preparation workshops, the Centre tailors its programs to meet the needs of adult learners.

“When people come here, they’re not just gaining a skill, they’re gaining independence and a sense of belonging,” explained  Ana. She says that every course, whether short or long-term, is about giving people the confidence to keep moving forward.

Debra added that flexibility is key. “We meet people where they’re at — maybe it’s improving computer skills, maybe it’s English language learning, maybe it’s preparing for a job interview. Each small step adds up to big change in someone’s life,” she said.

Fall 2025 Class Schedule

Program	Start Date	Time
Beginner English	Sep 8	6-8pm
Math Tutoring	Sep 8	6-8pm
Intermediate English	Sep 9	6-8pm
Intermediate French	Sep 9	6-8pm
English Vocabulary Builder	Sep 10	6-8pm
Beginner French	Sep 10	6-8pm
English Conversation Café	Sep 11	6-8pm
Beginner Spanish	Sep 11	6:30-8:30pm
CELPIP	Oct 16	6:30-8:30
Bedtime Story	Sep 26, Oct 24, Nov 28	6:30-7:30
Family Caregiver Wellness Workshops	Sep 16-18, 22-25
Digital Skills	Oct 13, 20, 27 Nov 3, 10, 17	10:30am
Until We Meet Again	Dec 5	10:30am

For Ana and Debra, the highlights come from watching learners achieve milestones, big or small. “When someone tells me they’ve gotten the job, or they finally feel confident using technology, or they’ve finished a course they never thought they could — those are the wins we celebrate,” Debra said.

“You don’t have to be perfect when you walk through the door. We want people to feel supported — to know that it’s okay to start small,” Ana added.

And those small starts add up. “When someone tells me they’ve gotten the job, or they finally feel confident using technology, or they’ve finished a course they never thought they could — those are the moments we celebrate,” Debra explained.

One of the more unique offerings this semester is English Café, a Thursday night gathering where newcomers and English learners sit together to practice conversation in a relaxed, social setting. It’s not just about grammar or vocabulary — it’s about confidence and connection. As Debra explained, “That’s where we have the most fun — sharing back and forth, talking about what country you come from, what barriers you’ve experienced with the English language, and practicing together to overcome them.”

Ana sees it as much more than language practice. “It’s not only about learning English — it’s about making friends. A lot of people don’t have many friends or don’t know a lot of people. So this is the place — this is the hub — to meet your new friend,” she said. The Café has become a welcoming space where learning English goes hand-in-hand with building friendships, networking for jobs, and even finding playdates for children.

The Learning Centre’s impact is deeply personal but also community-wide. Education offered close to home strengthens Cold Lake — making it possible for more people to succeed, grow, and contribute.

The Cold Lake Community Learning Centre is now enrolling for fall classes. To explore the full class schedule, visit coldlakelearns.com or check out the current listings.