Volunteer who teaches English to newcomers finds a community in P.E.I.

Judith Mendiolea

(This story was originally published on The Guardian P.E.I. Jan. 17, 2025)

Gustavo González has taught English to more than 25 newcomers in P.E.I. as a volunteer for IRSA in Charlottetown, P.E.I. Photo by Judith Mendiolea /Special to The Guardian

Marcelo Roussel remembers the unease that crept into every corner of his life in Guayaquil, Ecuador.

As a veterinarian, Roussel had built a stable life for his family. But his clinic became a target for organized crime.

Strangers loitered outside late at night, ringing the bell without apparent reason.

Roussel thought their intentions were clear.

His children’s school became another source of anxiety, as rumours of kidnappings and extortion spread through the community.

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“I had no direct altercations with these people, but you could feel it,” Roussel said. “It became instinctual to notice things — who’s watching, who’s following. It wasn’t just about me; it was about protecting my family.”

Marcelo Roussel learned English with the help of volunteer tutor Gustavo Gonzales after moving from Ecuador to P.E.I. in search of safety for his family. Photo by Judith Mendiolea /Special to The Guardian

By 2022, the situation became untenable.

Roussel and his wife decided to leave Ecuador, seeking safety in Canada. Through her enrolment at Holland College in Charlottetown, the family relocated to P.E.I. But when they arrived, Roussel faced an entirely new challenge: language.

“I was terrible at English,” he said. “In school and university, it was never my passion, and now it was the one thing I needed the most.”

That’s when he met Gustavo González.

Finding purpose

González, a former language teacher from Mexico, found his purpose in Charlottetown’s Immigrant and Refugee Services Association (IRSA).

When he first arrived in P.E.I., González started volunteering as an English tutor, offering one-on-one sessions to help newcomers improve their language skills.

As his confidence and experience grew, IRSA entrusted him with teaching small groups. These expanded into conversation circles, where learners could practise speaking in informal, supportive settings.

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To date, Gónzalez has taught English to more than 25 newcomers.

“It started as a way to give back,” González said. “But over time, I realized how much this work matters — not just for learning English, but for helping people feel they belong.”

Hillary Jones, the English as an additional language program co-ordinator at IRSA, has watched González’s impact firsthand.

“For many people, stepping into a conversation circle isn’t just about learning English — it’s about overcoming loneliness and finding community.”

González eventually began organizing his own conversation circles independently, connecting learners across the Island. His approach combines his expertise as a teacher with his deep empathy for the struggles of newcomers.

“Teaching a language is more than just grammar and vocabulary — it’s about confidence,” González said. “It’s about breaking fears and showing people what they’re capable of.”

Growing need

Canada’s immigrant population is growing rapidly, with 485,000 newcomers welcomed in 2024 alone. On P.E.I., the number of immigrants has risen steadily, creating a greater demand for programs like IRSA’s EAL tutoring program.

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Jones explained that many newcomers, particularly those on work or study permits, fall through the cracks of government-funded language programs. IRSA’s flexible and volunteer-driven approach fills that gap, providing a lifeline for those ineligible for other services.

Hillary Jones is the English as an Additional Language Program Co-ordinator at IRSA, Charlottetown. The program offers free English tutoring for newcomers. Photo by Judith Mendiolea /Special to The Guardian

“A lot of people say they have no English, but when you talk to them, you realize they can hold a conversation,” Jones said. “It’s often confidence that they’re missing, not the skills.”

For González, every lesson is a step toward helping newcomers thrive.

“I don’t see myself as just a teacher — I’m a step. A stepping stone where others can stand to reach their goals,” he said. “Every newcomer’s success story is a testament to the strength of our community. When they succeed, we all succeed.”

When Roussel began attending González’s tutoring sessions, his English was at a beginner level. He says González’s patience and personalized approach made the process less intimidating.

“From knowing nothing, now I at least know something. Gustavo gave me the tools to understand words and communicate a little. More importantly, he helped me feel like I belonged.”

– Marcelo Roussel

“From knowing nothing, now I at least know something,” Roussel said. “Gustavo gave me the tools to understand words and communicate a little. More importantly, he helped me feel like I belonged.”

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González’s impact extended to Roussel’s career.

Through his network, González introduced Roussel to contacts at a biotechnology lab. That introduction led to a job offer — a lifeline for Roussel as he worked to rebuild his family’s life on P.E.I.

“On P.E.I., everything is about contacts,” Roussel said. “González and his wife introduced me to people who opened doors for me. Without them, I wouldn’t have found this opportunity.”

Building a community

González’s work goes beyond teaching — it’s about fostering a sense of community. Many of his students form lasting friendships through the program, meeting others from diverse cultural backgrounds.

“We’ve seen friendships develop from our conversation circles and tutoring sessions,” Jones said. “Some tutors and learners stay connected for years, even spending holidays together.”

The relationships he builds are deeply meaningful.

“I don’t seek students — I seek friends,” he said. “Languages have given me so many friendships, true friendships. Each person I’ve taught has left a piece of themselves with me.”