Greetings!
As we all move into a “new normal” within the different re-entering phases of COVID-19, here at ICA, we are following all the protocols set out by WorkSafeBC, the Province of BC, and public health orders to ensure everyone’s safety. ICA’s services and programs will be somewhat different than before COVID-19. There are limits to the number of people in classrooms, offices, and within the building to ensure physical distancing protocols are adhered to.
General screening questions on health will be asked of all individuals coming into ICA’s offices and personal protection equipment will be used by ICA staff to safeguard everyone when meeting in person. As ICA’s doors slowly open up for face-to-face meetings, we do ask those that need to meet staff in person, to call ahead of time for a scheduled appointment. This guarantees the staff member you are wanting to meet with will be available and onsite as ICA staff members are working remotely on a rotational schedule.
Before the end of classes for the summer break, we had an opportunity to put our protocols into practice as ICA’s LINC classes had a soft launch in the first two weeks of June. A limited number of students from lower level classes attended in-person to practice physical distancing and understand how the classroom configuration worked to ensure everyone's safety and well being.
The test was a great success with students in classrooms two days a week and online learning for the rest of the week. As classes resume this fall we anticipate that our blended/hybrid learning approach will continue through the end of the year and into 2021.
Short term programs such as conversation clubs, youth summer programs, and even cooking classes will continue online.
With so many online programs happening we quickly identified the challenges this brings for clients who do not have access to the technology needed or who are having challenges with using technology. In order to support these clients, we are offering digital literacy workshops that will help clients learn about different online tools and various social media platforms. Please keep an eye out on ICA’s website for more information.
ICA is preparing and adapting our services to meet any further impacts of COVID-19 as we move forward. We thank you for your continued patience and support during these extraordinary times.
Winnie Lee, Director of Operations
Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria
