Since 1976, the Edmonton Immigrant Services Association (EISA) has helped immigrants, refugees and first-generation Canadians build their lives in a new country. The organization has focused on making the transition to life in Canada more accessible by offering services that support everything from language learning and employment to family programs and community connection.
At its core, EISA’s work is about helping newcomers feel confident, capable and connected. Through programs like English as an Additional Language (EAL) training, employment and education guidance, document translation, and school- and library-based initiatives, EISA creates inclusive pathways for people to access the support they need and fully participate in their communities.
That same commitment extends to digital literacy.
As more essential services move online, digital skills have become a critical part of settling successfully in Canada. Recognizing this, EISA recently ran the Protecting Your Information Online workshop from ABC Connect for Learning.
ABC Connect for Learning is a digital literacy program that offers free resources to Canadians looking to build or strengthen their digital skills — whether they’re just getting started online or learning how to navigate new technologies safely.
Literacy organizations like EISA can choose from more than 60 ready-to-use learning resources and deliver workshops in person or online on topics such as spotting spam emails, identifying fake news and creating strong passwords.
EISA ran two sessions that were delivered in person to newcomer participants, many of whom are still building foundational digital skills. The workshops saw strong attendance and engagement from participants—particularly older adults, many of whom had limited exposure to computers in their early education.
“For many of our newcomer clients, everyday digital tasks such as filling out online forms or navigating websites can be challenging,” says Esther Choga, a settlement practitioner at EISA who coordinated the workshops. “They often rely on other people to complete online tasks on their behalf.”
The ABC Connect for Learning workshops created a space for newcomers to begin building their digital literacy skills in a supportive, low-pressure environment.
The sessions were designed to be interactive, with open discussion, group activities and opportunities for participants to ask questions and share their experiences. The accessible design of the ABC Connect for Learning materials played a key role in this.
“The language in the materials is very easy to understand, and the vocabulary is simple, which makes it ideal for EAL learners,” says Choga.
The accessibility of the program allowed participants to engage more confidently with the content, especially when it came to understanding online safety. Many were unfamiliar with how to recognize common risks like voice scams or how to create strong, secure passwords.
“These are critical skills, particularly for newcomers who need to access immigration services, open accounts or communicate online,” says Choga. “Without a basic understanding of digital safety, these everyday tasks can quickly become barriers to living life fully in Canada.”
By offering workshops like the one from ABC Connect for Learning, EISA is helping to close that gap. The workshop was offered as part of the organization’s New Neighbours program, which focuses on helping newcomers build social connections and a sense of belonging in Edmonton. By integrating digital literacy into existing settlement programming, EISA is ensuring that clients are supported not just socially, but practically, equipping them with the tools they need to navigate modern life in Canada.
Looking ahead, EISA would like to run more ABC Connect for Learning workshops, expanding into additional topics based on participant needs and interests. The flexibility of the program and its ease of delivery make it a strong fit for the organization’s broader approach.
To learn more about ABC Connect for Learning, to access free resources or to sign up to host a workshop, visit abcconnectforlearning.ca. This program is presented nationally and is partly funded by the Government of Canada through the Canadian Consumer Protection Initiative.
