In the last quarter of 2025, I had the chance to teach a Microsoft office course in French as a volunteer teacher at CESFOM. This experience was very meaningful both personally and professionally. From the start, it was clear that CESFOM is much more than a technical training space: it’s a place where learning is built on respect, attention to people, and a strong sense of community. The atmosphere at the center makes it easy for students and instructors to get actively involved in the learning process.
As an instructor, I worked with a group of Haitian migrant students who entered the course with very diverse levels of computing skills. Some individuals were not familiar with using the Office suite, while others had basic knowledge and a desire to develop it more. In all cases, the motivation was clear: to acquire tools and skills that they could reinvest in their daily lives, whether to improve their job opportunities, advance their studies, or work on their own projects. The course progressed respecting these different paces, always prioritizing practical and accessible learning.
During the sessions, we learned to write texts in Word, organize information using tables and formulas in Excel, and create presentations in PowerPoint. One of the most special moments of the course was when the students developed digital presentations on topics of their personal interest. One student created a promotional presentation for a dance school; another student wrote about their favorite rap artists; and others wrote about the traditional music or food of their country of origin, integrating images, videos, and original designs. Seeing how they combined these new digital tools with elements of their identity was especially valuable and allowed the learning process to become more meaningful, creative, and engaging.
Throughout the course, I witnessed the constant progress of my students, not only in technical terms but also in their confidence and autonomy.
Each new document created, each formula understood, and each completed presentation reinforced the sense of achievement and self-empowerment. I was also impressed by the commitment and dedication of the teaching staff of the other CESFOM trainings. Their willingness to support, their patience, and their approachability fundamentally contribute to creating an inclusive and motivating learning environment. Being part of CESFOM, even for a limited period, and being the teacher of my students was a privilege. This experience reaffirmed the value of education when practiced with empathy, respect, and community work and left a lasting impact on both my students and myself.
Claudia María Serrano
PhD student, University of British Columbia
